Tokyo: Japanese stocks fell on Wednesday under pressure from a stronger yen, causing the Nikkei index to record its first loss in four sessions despite strong gains in chip-related company shares. The Nikkei, which includes major technology companies, closed down 0.1 percent at 50,344.10 points after giving up earlier gains recorded during the session.

According to Qatar News Agency, the broader TOPIX index fell 0.5 percent to 3,407.37 points. Toyota shares dropped 1.8 percent and Subaru shares lost 1.2 percent. Shares of electronics giants Sony and Nintendo fell 1.9 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively.

The insurance sector index declined 1.6 percent, while the banking sector index fell 1 percent. The Nikkei's decline came despite strong support from a semiconductor equipment company whose stock carries significant weight on the Nikkei, adding 127 points to the index with a 2.5 percent rise.

Tokyo Electron shares rose 0.7 percent, and Screen Holdings shares jumped 10 percent, becoming the Nikkei's largest percentage gainer.