(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 16 gen - Japanese share prices closed lower, as investors took a pause after a recent rally.

The market was affected by reports that prime minister Sanae Takaichi might dissolve parliament for a general election in February.

While some investors hope an election could lead to more government support for the economy, the news also brought uncertainty about the actual political outcome and the future of interest rates.

A stronger yen and caution ahead of next week's Bank of Japan meeting also weighed on the market.

Losses were led by the retail, automotive and tech sectors.

The Nikkei 225 index fell 0.32% to close at 53,936.17 points.

(RADIOCOR) 16-01-26 08:32:51 (0155) 5 NNNN