Tokyo - Asian stock markets took heavy losses Thursday, reflecting widespread gloom about US economic troubles and another bad day on Wall Street.

Japan's key Nikkei 225 Stock Average plummeted nearly 7 per cent, ending the day below the 8,000 level.

Traders said the sell-off was the result of mounting concern over the US economy, particularly the Big Three automakers' financial fate.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average tumbled 570.18 points, or 6.89 per cent, to close at 7,703.04.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues also fell 45.15 points, or 5.46 per cent, to 782.28.

Tokyo - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso apologized to a group of doctors on Thursday after he made an "inappropriate remark that drew misunderstandings."

Aso withdrew his previous day's remark that many doctors lack common sense in a meeting with Yoshihito Karasawa, president of the Japan Medical Association.

Karasawa visited the premier at his residence Thursday to file a protest against Wednesday's comment made by Aso at a meeting with prefecture governors.

Aso said: "I understand that hospitals in rural areas are having trouble getting doctors. There are many who lack a fair degree of common sense. Their values are very different."

Tokyo - Asian stock markets took heavy losses Thursday, reflecting widespread gloom about US economic troubles and another bad day on Wall Street.

Japan's key Nikkei 225 Stock Average plummeted nearly 7 per cent, ending the day below the 8,000 level.

Traders said the sell-off was the result of mounting concern over the US economy, particularly the Big Three automakers' financial fate.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average tumbled 570.18 points, or 6.89 per cent, to close at 7,703.04.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues also fell 45.15 points, or 5.46 per cent, to 782.28.

Tokyo, Nov. 20, 2008 -- UAE Ambassador to Japan, Saeed Ali Yusuf Al-Nuwais, has held here a reception for Minister of State Dr. Meitha Salim Al Shamsi, on the occasion of her visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japan Cooperation Centre, Petroleum (JCCP).

The reception, which was held at the UAE Embassy premises, was attended by dignitaries, including former Japanese Defence Minister, Yoriko Kwiko, member of the parliament of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, a number of officials and Arab ambassadors in Japan.

Tokyo - Japan's key Nikkei 225 Stock Average plummeted nearly 7 per cent, below the 8,000 level, Thursday as investors' concerns mounted over the US economy, particularly the Big Three automakers' financial fate.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average tumbled 570.18 points, or 6.89 per cent, to close at 7,703.04.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues also fell 45.15 points, or 5.46 per cent, to 782.28.

Tokyo - Japanese naval destroyer Choukai failed to intercept a mock test missile over Hawaii, the Japanese Defence Ministry said Thursday.