TOKYO, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei closed at a
one-week low on Tuesday, as COVID-19 protests in several Chinese
cities raised concerns about economic growth, while Eisai
slumped after a report that a woman died in a trial of the
company's Alzheimer's disease treatment.
The Nikkei share average slipped 0.48% to close at
28,027.84, its lowest since Nov. 21, while the broader Topix
lost 0.57% to 1,992.97.
U.S. stocks closed sharply lower overnight after protests in
major Chinese cities against strict COVID-19 policies sparked
concerns about economic growth.
"The Japanese market's decline is all due to the China
issue. The ongoing protests could trigger a slowdown in global
economic growth," said Shuji Hosoi, a senior strategist at Daiwa
Securities.
Eisai fell 6.22% and was the biggest drag on the
Nikkei.
Honda Motor fell 1.55% after the automaker said its
factory in Wuhan was still suspended due to COVID restrictions.
Technology investor SoftBank Group lost 1.37% and
chip making equipment maker Tokyo Electron fell 1.08%.
Leisure-related shares were strong, with department store
operators Takashimaya and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings
rising 3.66% and 3.32% respectively.
Railway operator West Japan Railway gained 2.12%.
Oil explorers rose 1.89% and were the top gainers
among the Tokyo Stock Exchange's 33 industry sub-indexes.
Airliners rose 0.86%.
(Reporting by Junko Fujita; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)