Japan’s Nikkei share average closed lower as oil prices rose due to renewed Middle East conflict. Investors weighed the corporate outlook amid increasing costs and the start of earnings season. Chip-related stocks dragged the Nikkei lower, influenced by South Korea’s benchmark index. Memory maker Kioxia tanked significantly after a high-profile U.S. listing. Bank shares rose, shifting focus to value stocks and capping the Topix’s decline.