TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan's key stock index fell on Tuesday, following a dip in U.S. stock markets after U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 34,220.60, down 59.32 points, or 0.17 percent, from the previous trading day.

The U.S. economy could slow unless interest rates are lowered immediately, Trump said, calling for a preemptive rate cut.

The call for a sooner rate cut weighed on U.S. stocks, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite falling, prompting selling in Tokyo's semiconductor sector, including shares of Tokyo Electron and Advantest.

The yen strengthened in Tokyo's foreign exchange market, briefly reaching the upper 139-yen range against the dollar, its highest level in about seven months since mid-September.

The stronger yen led to futures-based selling in stock index-linked trades, further pressuring high-weighted stocks like Fast Retailing.

The broader TOPIX index rebounded, gaining 3.19 points, or 0.13 percent, to close at 2,532.12.

Of the listed issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, 483 declined, 1,113 advanced, and 41 remained unchanged. Enditem

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