Japanese shares closed lower on Wednesday as April exports rose at a slower pace of 2% compared with a month earlier, underscoring the potential impact of US tariffs on Japan's fragile recovery.

The Nikkei 225 declined 0.61%, or 230.51 points, to end at 37,298.98.

Japan's exports to the US, its largest market, fell 1.8% in April, led by a 4.8% drop in automobile shipments due to a stronger yen and weaker demand for high-end models.

Overall car exports rose 11.8%, driven by cheaper models. Imports fell 2.2%, less than the 4.5% decline expected, resulting in a trade deficit of 115.8 billion yen.

On corporate updates, Tocalo (TYO:3433) posted a 27% rise in attributable profit to 8.05 billion yen for the year ended March 31. Basic EPS climbed to 135.45 yen from 105.53 yen, while net sales rose 16% to 54.2 billion yen.

IHH Healthcare's (SGX:Q0F, KLSE:IHH) unit Northern TK Venture has raised its damages claim against Daiichi Sankyo (TYO:4568) to nearly 184 billion yen, citing financial harm from the blocked 2018 Fortis Healthcare stake bid.

The revised claim includes 2.7 million rupees for defamation-related losses and accrued interest. A Tokyo court hearing is set for July 11.

Dai-Dan Co (TYO:1980) reported a 92% surge in attributable profit to 17.4 billion yen for fiscal 2024. Basic EPS jumped to 406.82 yen from 212.10 yen, while net sales rose 33% to 262.7 billion yen.