Japanese share prices tumbled to four-month lows on Thursday, as the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) inaction, a cautious Fed that fuels the yen's strength and worries over Britain's possible departure from Europe all made for reasons to sell.
The Nikkei average fell 3.1 percent to 15,434.14, its lowest level since mid-April. It is the sixth time it fell more than 3 percent this quarter.
The Nikkei volatility index rose to 35.6 percent, its highest level since February.
China stocks fell on Thursday as investors turned their focus back to the struggling economy after a brief bargain hunting spree in the previous session.
The CSI300 index of the largest listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen fell 0.7 percent, to 3,094.67, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.5 percent, to 2,872.82 points.
June 16 - Hong Kong shares slumped more than 2 percent on Thursday as fears of a possible British exit from the European Union outweighed relief after the U.S. Federal Reserve struck a more cautious note on interest rates.
The Hang Seng index fell 2.1 percent to 20,038.42 points, while the China Enterprises Index lost 2.3 percent to 8,409.81 points.
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