Tokyo  - Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average opened sharply lower in early trading Tuesday, dropping below the 8,000 mark as the Tokyo market followed the lead of Wall Street's steep decline overnight.

The Nikkei fell 454.73 points, or 5.41 per cent, to 7,942.49.

On currency markets, the dollar and euro were weaker Tuesday against the yen. (dpa)