TOKYO, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Japanese shares dipped on Tuesday
as rising COVID-19 infections sapped investors appetite for risk
assets and forced the government to suspend its domestic tourism
promotion campaign, hitting leisure stocks.
The Nikkei share average .N225 dropped 0.31% to 26,648.83,
still stuck in its familiar range over the past few weeks. The
broader Topix .TOPX lost 0.48% to 1,781.87.
Concerns about increasing COVID-19 infections and lockdowns
around the world overshadowed optimism over the rollout of
coronavirus vaccinations. MKTS/GLOB
Tourism-related shares took a hit after Japanese Prime
Minister Yoshihide Suga said the travel subsidy programme dubbed
"Go To Travel" would be suspended nationwide around the New Year
to contain mounting COVID-19 cases.
ANA Holdings 9202.T lost 6.9% after investors flipped some
of its newly issued stocks while rival JAL 9201.T lost 3.1%.
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On the other hand, Nintendo 7974.T led game-related shares
higher as the worsening domestic outbreak is seen as boosting
demand for game products.
Capcom 9697.T rose 1.4% while GungHo Online Entertainment
3765.T addde 1.6%. Gree 3632.T gained 3.2% and Koei Tecmo
3635.T added 1.6%.
Clean energy is becoming another hot theme, with Kawasaki
Heavy 7012.T rising 5.8%, extending gains on its announcement
earlier in the week that it has signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with Australian miner Fortescue Metals Group
Ltd FMG.AX to develop a supply chain of "green" hydrogen.
Nippon Kinzoku 5491.T rose by daily limit of 28% on
speculation of surge in demand for its product for injection
needles as COVID-19 vaccinations start globally.
Euglena 2931.T gained 4.4% after the bio-tech firm said it
is considering buying health product maker Q'say.