Japanese stocks edged lower in early trading, as a recent rebound in the yen sparked concerns over corporate earnings strength. The Nikkei Index fell 0.2% to 52,780.86 points. Automobile and pharmaceutical stocks led the decline. Nissan Motor dropped 2.2%, while pharmaceutical company Otsuka Holdings fell 4.0%. The U.S. dollar was quoted at 154.16 yen, compared to 154.21 yen at the close of Tokyo trading on Monday. With a major election looming in early February, investors are closely monitoring comments from government officials regarding the yen and the details of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's economic plan.