The Nikkei 225 Index edged up 0.2% to above 37,700, while the Topix Index slipped 0.3% to 2,795 in mixed trading on Monday.

Japanese stocks struggled for direction as US President Donald Trump's April 2 deadline for reciprocal tariffs weighed on sentiment. However, Trump hinted on Friday that there could be "flexibility" in his plan, and weekend reports suggested the tariffs may be narrower in scope, potentially sparing certain industries.

Domestically, fresh data showed that Japan's private sector activity contracted for the first time in five months, with manufacturing extending its nine-month downturn, while services activity also turned negative. Sector-wise, technology stocks mostly gained, while bank stocks came under pressure.

Source : Trading Economics