TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Thursday as semiconductor-related shares were sold following a report that the U.S. government plans to further restrict the export of artificial intelligence chips.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 375.97 points, or 0.94 percent, from Wednesday at 39,605.09. The broader Topix index finished 34.08 points, or 1.23 percent, lower at 2,735.92.

On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by marine transportation, wholesale trade, and insurance issues.

The U.S. dollar remained firm, trading mostly in the lower 158 yen range in Tokyo, as speculation grew that U.S. long-term interest rates will stay high amid expectations of rising inflation driven by tariff policies likely to be introduced by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, dealers said.

At 5 p.m., the dollar fetched 158.18-20 yen compared with 158.29-39 yen in New York and 158.11-13 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0290-0292 and 162.77-81 yen against $1.0314-0324 and 163.37-47 yen in New York and $1.0332-0333 and 163.37-41 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.

On the bond market, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond briefly rose to 1.185 percent, hitting the highest level since June 2011, as the debt was sold amid rises in U.S. Treasury yields. It ended at 1.170 percent, down 0.005 percentage point from Wednesday's close.

Stocks remained in negative territory throughout the day as the selling of heavyweight chip-related shares was fueled by reports of additional U.S. export curbs aimed at blocking China and Russia from accessing advanced technologies.

"The report caused the market to widen losses" after opening lower tracking declines in U.S. high-tech shares, said Seiichi Suzuki, chief equity market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory Co.

Export-oriented auto stocks were also sold on concerns that the sector, which has a strong presence in the U.S. market, could be adversely affected by new tariff measures Trump may introduce once he takes office.

Investors were also hesitant to buy shares as the U.S. stock market will be closed Thursday to mark the death of former President Jimmy Carter, brokers said.