TOKYO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index ended lower Monday, as tech shares were dragged down by their U.S. peers, while concerns about the new Bank of Japan chief weighed on sentiment.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 243.66 points, or 0.88 percent, from Friday to close the day at 27,427.32.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, lost 9.29 points, or 0.47 percent, to finish at 1,977.67.

Dealers here said that technology issues including heavily-weighted components lost ground following the Nasdaq's drop overnight.

They also said some investors were in a circumspect mood following news reports that former Bank of Japan Policy Board member Kazuo Ueda has been tapped by the government for the position of chief.

BOJ deputy chief Masayoshi Amamiya was widely thought to be the top pick and a known entity, analysts said, adding they weren't overly sure about Ueda's policy direction or connections with politicians.

Among technology issues losing ground, chip-testing device maker Advantest dropped 1.6 percent, while Tokyo Electron fell 4.4 percent.

SoftBank Group was another heavyweight loser, ending the day down 1.1 percent and also weighing on the broader market.

By the close of play, precision instruments, metal products and electric appliances comprised issues that declined the most.

The turnover on the first trading day of the week came to 2,667.09 billion yen (20.10 billion U.S. dollars). Enditem

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