Tokyo shares end lower on futures-related sell-off

Tokyo shares ended lower on Friday due to a sell-off triggered by futures-related moves.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 185.49 points, or 0. 95 percent, from Thursday at 19,285.63, the lowest close since March 16.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 16.04 points, or 1.02 percent, at 1, 552.78.

Decliners were led by shipping, air transport and wholesale issues.

The turnover was about 2,965.6 billion yen (24.87 billion U.S. dollars). Endi