Japan shares are trading sharply lower in the final hour, with electronics weighing heavily.
Olympus Corp. (7733) is falling 5.88%, while Sony Corp. (6758) is down 3.28%.
Cement manufacturers are providing support, with Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co. (5232) as the biggest percentage gainer, up 3.96%.
The Nikkei is down 2.25% at 8541.42.