Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

The Nikkei ended 144.7 points down at 13,391.8, as concerns over the rising yen's impact on blue-chips' earnings continued to damage sentiment.

Traders were anticipating a raft of profit downgrades soon, as most large exporters calculate earnings forecasts at around 120 yen to the dollar. The dollar was trading at 111 yen by late afternoon in Tokyo. Falls in Sony, Honda and Toyota shares were partly cushioned by continued strength in semiconductor-related issues.