On Thursday, Japanese stock markets declined as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions impacted investor sentiment. The Nikkei 225 index fell 0.73% to 55,895, while the broader Topix Index dropped 0.9% to 3,741. Concerns over a fragile ceasefire involving Iran, Israel, and the US intensified after an Iranian official indicated potential violations of the agreement following Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Additionally, Iran's restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz further contributed to market unease. On the corporate front, shares of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, edged lower despite raising its full-year profit outlook due to strong demand in the US and Europe. In contrast, Seven & I Holdings saw a sharp decline after announcing a delay in the planned listing of its US convenience store business amid uncertainties in its American operations.