Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

JAPANESE shares fell as export-oriented firms lost ground after the yen resumed its climb against the dollar. The Nikkei 225 fell 28.62 points, 0.16 per cent, to 17,462.72.

"It's hard for the Nikkei to make headway when there are concerns that a higher yen could damage Japan's exporting companies and affect the fragile economy," said Tetsuya Ishijima, chief strategist at Okasan Securities.

The yen was trading at 116.45 to the dollar by late afternoon, below its five-month overnight high.