Japanese markets closed lower Thursday, while the U.S. dollar is higher against the Japanese yen.

Tokyo's Nikkei index lost more than one-quarter of one percent to finish at 9,597.

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 80.40 yen, a gain of just over one-tenth of a yen from Wednesday.

The Taipei market lost well over one-half of one percent to close at 8,567.