TOKYO, April 18 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock index fell for a second day on Monday, with a decline in U.S. stock futures souring the mood amid thin trade as many markets were still shut for Easter holidays.
The Nikkei sank 1.83% to 26,596.66 as of the midday break, finishing near the day's low. Of the benchmark's 225 components, 208 declined versus 17 that rose.
The broader Topix lost 1.59% to 1,866.11. All but two of the Tokyo Stock Exchanges 33 subsectors slid, with services faring the worst, followed by food companies .
"Looking at recent market moves, this should be a level that would attract bargain hunting, but because it's the start of the week and there's a scarcity of triggers to buy, bids are lacking, which is accelerating declines," said a trader at a domestic securities firm.
U.S. stock futures slipped 0.58%, after the S&P 500 shed 1.21% on Thursday, before the Good Friday holiday.
The U.S. returns to trading on Monday, but markets including the UK, Australia and Hong Kong remain shut for Easter holidays.
Staffing services company Recruit Holdings was the Nikkei's biggest percentage decliner, with a 5.36% drop.
Uniqlo store operator Fast Retailing was the biggest drag by index points after losing 2.02%.
Japan Airlines led carriers lower with a 2.56% slide after revising down earnings guidance. ANA Holdings slipped 1.41%.
Other heavyweight decliners included Sony Group, which fell 1.43%, Nintendo, down 1.69%, SoftBank Group , off 1.02%, and Toyota, slipping 0.95%.
At the other end, credit card company Credit Saison was the biggest winner, jumping 20.19% after Murakami-linked fund City Index Eleventh revealed it had taken a 5% stake. (Reporting by Tokyo markets team; editing by Uttaresh.V)
