Tokyo stocks retreated from the off in Tokyo as investor sentiment was dampened by a drop in oil prices and the yen's rise against the US dollar.
As of 9.15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 116.92 points, or 0.65 percent, from Monday to 17,748.31, Xinhua news agency reported.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 12.73 points, or 0.87 percent, at 1,449.94.
Notable decliners at the start of trading comprised mining, iron and steel, and oil and coal product-related shares.