Japan's Nikkei drops below 67,000 as AI and semiconductor concerns weigh

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 fell to 66,819 on July 8, slipping below the 67,000 level for the first time in a month. The decline, a 2.11% drop, was driven by weakening AI‑related and semiconductor stocks after a sharp sell‑off in South Korean chip makers, rising bond‑yield worries and broader market caution.

Two days later, the market rebounded, with the Nikkei closing at 68,557 on July 10, up 813 points. Gains were led by renewed buying in AI and semiconductor shares, while the broader TOPIX also rose. Within the rally, game‑entertainment stocks showed mixed performance: Mirative hit its daily limit up after a major investor increased his stake, Bushiroad reached a year‑to‑date high, and several other gaming firms posted gains or losses.

The contrasting moves illustrate how Japanese equities remain sensitive to global tech trends and sector‑specific news, with both broad index swings and individual stock reactions shaping investor sentiment.