Tokyo - Japan markets continued their losing streak Friday with the key Nikkei index dropping nearly 3 per cent.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 232.45 points, or 2.75 per cent, to 8,228.53.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues was down 24 points, or 2.75 per cent, to 847.7.

On currency markets at 9 am (0000 GMT), the dollar was quoted at 97.58-63 yen, down from Thursday's quote of 97.68-70 yen.

The euro was quoted at 1.2897-2902 dollars, up from Thursday's 5 pm quote of 1.2819-20 dollars, and at 125.90-95 yen, up from 125.22- 26 yen. (dpa)