Japanese shares sank deeper into losses Wednesday, with the benchmark stock index registering its longest losing stretch in decades, as worries about rising oil prices and the U.S. economy's health weighed down investor sentiment.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 index sank 1.3 percent to 13,286.37, its lowest level since April 16.
Marine transport and banking issues fell particularly hard. Nippon Yusen K.K. sank 4.6 percent and Mizuho Financial Group lost 3.1 percent.
Japanese carmakers also declined. Toyota Motor Corp., whose American sales shrank 21 percent in the month, fell 1.4 percent. Nissan Motor Co. closed down 2 percent.
Suzuki Motor Corp. plunged 7.1 after the company on Tuesday reported slower-than-expected sales growth at its India unit, Maruti Suzuki India.
In Hong Kong, stocks fell as investors sold banks, airlines and developers on worries over the impact of inflation and economic slowing on corporate profits. The blue-chip Hang Seng Index lost 1.8 percent to 21,704.45.
China's Shanghai Composite, meanwhile, ended flat at 2,651.72.
Elsewhere:
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gave up 0.9% to 5,094.80, marking its fourth decline in a row.
South Korea's Kospi shed 2.6% to 1,623.60 for its fifth straight session of losses.
New Zealand's NZX 50 index slipped 0.4% to 3,163.39.
Taiwan's Weighted index dropped 0.7% to 7,353.86.
Singapore's Straits Times index was little changed at 2,906.23.
with files from other wire services
