Japanese stocks fell on Friday, on weak economic and corporate data.

The Nikkei average fell 20.73 points, or 0.18% to 11,320.58. The TOPIX Index slid 0.11% to 1,140.70.

"It’s difficult to justify buying of Japanese stocks now if we just look at the micro side of the economy because earnings’ growth momentum seems to be slowing," said Yoshihiko Kosuga, equities deputy general manager from Mizuho Investors Securities. "The only factor seen supporting buying is expectations for an improvement in the macro economy ... so if the macro picture worsens, then that could easily push the market lower."

Japanese industrial production fell 1.2% in December.

Kyocera tumbled 1.7% to 7,340 yen after the company released weak quarterly results and cut its full-year outlook. KDDI fell 2.4% to 530,000 yen after Japan’s second-largest telecoms operator cut its full-year forecast.

 
In currency trading, the euro rose to $1.3030, from $1.3010 in New York late Thursday. The dollar rose to 103.19 yen, from $102.81.