The Nikkei stock index fell 0.49 percent Wednesday as the yen strengthened following the Bank of Japan's decision to stay pat on its monetary policy while slashing its inflation outlook, which soured the market mood.
The Nikkei 225 dropped 85.82 points to close at 17,280.48, while the broader Topix index of all first-section issues lost 0. 50 percent, or 7.02 points, to finish the day at 1,390.61.