Tokyo shares plunge nearly 5%, extend global sell-off

Tokyo shares tumbled nearly five percent Tuesday morning, extending a global sell-off as a stronger yen dented exporters and after oil prices tanked again on fears of a deepening economic slowdown.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index slipped back into bear territory, down more than 20 percent from June highs, as it dived 4.92 percent, or 836.09 points, to 16,168.21 by the break.

The broader Topix index of all first-section shares slumped 5.03 percent, or 69.46 points, to 1,310.95.