The Nikkei Index fell 0.2%, dragged down by automotive and pharmaceutical stocks.

The Japanese stock market fell in early trading, with concerns about corporate profitability sparked by the recent rebound of the yen. The Nikkei index fell 0.2% to 52,780.86 points. Automakers and pharmaceutical stocks led the decline, with Nissan falling 2.2% and Otsuka Holdings dropping 4.0%. The US dollar was trading at 154.16 yen, compared to 154.21 yen at the close of the Tokyo stock market on Monday. With the upcoming general election in February, investors are closely watching government officials' comments on the yen, as well as Prime Minister Takaichi Manami's detailed economic plan.