Tokyo stocks closed essentially flat on Thursday as investors refrained from making bold moves amid a lack of fresh cues although trade concerns continued to add downward pressure.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 18.49 points, or 0.09 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 20,460.93.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 0.18 point, or 0.01 percent, to finish at 1,490.17.
Service and rubber product issues led notable decliners, while farm and fishery, and oil and coal product-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.