Japanese stocks plummeted on Monday as the US government appeared headed for a partial shutdown.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 304.27 points, or 2.06 per cent, to end at 14,455.8, while the broader-based Topix index was down 23.42 points, or 1.92 per cent, at 1,194.1.
For the month, the Nikkei rose 7.97 per cent and the Topix was up 7.96 per cent.
A US government shutdown would begin on Tuesday, the first day of the new fiscal year, unless lawmakers find a last-minute solution in Monday sessions.
On currency markets at 3 pm (0600 GMT), the dollar traded at 97.84—86 yen, down from Friday’s 5 pm quote of 98.59—61 yen.
The euro was quoted at 132.00—04 yen, down from 133.05—09 yen late Friday and at 1.3490—3492 dollars, down from 1.3495—3497 dollars.