TOKYO, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average inched down to its lowest close in three weeks on Thursday after the yen regained strength against the dollar and Shanghai shares fell.
The Nikkei briefly rose in the morning as the yen dropped after U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said major currencies were roughly in alignment now, but the effect was short-lived as the yen rebounded and dragged down Japanese shares along.
The benchmark Nikkei eased 5.12 points, or 0.1 percent, to 9,376.48, its lowest close since Sept. 30.
The broader Topix dipped 0.4 percent to 820.40. (Reporting by Chikafumi Hodo; Editing by Chris Gallagher)