The Nikkei Stock Average fell 2.65% to 62,907.84, or about 62,908, its lowest close since July 30, as technology and artificial-intelligence shares sold off. Investors questioned whether substantial AI infrastructure investments would generate sufficient returns, while weaker U.S. after-hours trading after an earnings announcement from a major semiconductor-equipment company added pressure. Broader Asian markets also retreated, with the Kospi falling more than 4% and the Hang Seng dropping over 3%. Brent crude rose 2.50% to $111.54 as reports of potential renewed U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran after the November 3 midterm elections heightened concerns about Gulf energy supplies, shipping and inflation. The reports followed deadly attacks on a Saudi oil field, Houthi attacks and intensified military exercises. Japan is particularly exposed because of its reliance on Middle Eastern oil imports. Resonac Holdings fell 11.2%, Ibiden dropped 9.5%, Screen Holdings declined 8.8%, Kioxia Holdings lost 6.8%, Advantest and Taiyo Yuden each fell 6%, SoftBank Group dropped 6.9%, and Tokyo Electron slid 7%. The dollar traded at 157.10 yen, compared with 158.14 yen around Wednesday’s Tokyo close.