TOKYO - Japan's Nikkei average hit its lowest in two months on Tuesday, with exporters hurt after the Dow industrials closed below 10,000 for the first time since November hit by heightened concerns about the euro zone's sovereign debt troubles.

The benchmark Nikkei was down 0.8 per cent at 9,875.11, after falling as low as 9,867.39, its lowest since Dec. 10.

The broader Topix retreated 0.7 per cent to 877.20.

Shares of Toyota Motor Corp inched down as the company prepares for a global recall of its new Prius model, further denting its battered reputation for quality and reliability.

US-listed shares of the company fell 2.5 per cent.