Tokyo: Japanese shares drifted lower on Monday as weaker-than-expected economic data and a post-election lull capped moves. The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.2% to close at 56,806.41, while the broader Topix slid 0.8% to 3,787.38. Preliminary October-December gross domestic product (GDP) figures showed that the Japanese economy missed economists' median forecast due to softer capital spending, although it reversed the previous quarter's contraction.

According to Qatar News Agency, rubber makers and banks were the biggest decliners among the Topix 33 industry groups. Bridgestone dropped 6.5% after the tire maker's full-year net profit forecast missed analysts' estimates. The largest loser by percentage on the Nikkei was medical equipment maker Olympus, tumbling nearly 13% after disappointing earnings. Resona Holdings, a major domestic lender, slumped 8%.

Bucking the overall trend, shares of Sumitomo Pharma reached their daily limit, surging 20.2% to lead the Nikkei's gainers by percentage.