Nikkei ends lower as rising COVID-19 infections sap risk appetite

TOKYO, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Japanese shares ended weaker on
Tuesday as rising COVID-19 infections sapped investors appetite
for risk assets and forced the government to suspend its
domestic tourism promotion campaign, hitting airlines and other
travel-related stocks.
The Nikkei share average .N225 dropped 0.17% to 26,687.84.
The broader Topix .TOPX lost 0.47% to 1,782.05, with decliners
outnumbering advancers by a ratio of 3 to 2.
Investors are locking in profit from recent gains, ahead of
policy announcements later this week by the U.S. Federal Reserve
and the Bank of Japan.
Concerns about increasing COVID-19 infections and lockdowns
around the world overshadowed optimism over the rollout of
coronavirus vaccinations. MKTS/GLOB
Tourism-related shares took a hit after Japanese Prime
Minister Yoshihide Suga said the travel subsidy programme dubbed
"Go To Travel" would be suspended nationwide around the New Year
to contain mounting COVID-19 cases.
ANA Holdings 9202.T lost 7.9% after investors flipped some
of its newly issued stocks while rival JAL 9201.T lost 3.4%.
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On the other hand, some game-related shares rode higher as
the worsening domestic outbreak is seen as boosting demand for
game products.
GungHo Online Entertainment 3765.T added 0.5% while Gree
3632.T gained 2.7%.
Clean energy is becoming another hot theme, with Kawasaki
Heavy 7012.T rising 5.7%, extending gains on its announcement
earlier in the week that it has signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with Australian miner Fortescue Metals Group
Ltd FMG.AX to develop a supply chain of "green" hydrogen.

Nippon Kinzoku 5491.T rose by daily limit of 28% on
speculation of surge in demand for its product for injection
needles as COVID-19 vaccinations start globally.
Euglena 2931.T gained 2.5% after the bio-tech firm said it
is considering buying health product maker Q'say.
Kobe Bussan 3038.T dropped 7.9% after its earnings fell
short of market expectations.