U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's statement on Wednesday that the Fed might decide at one of its "next few meetings" to start pulling back on its bond purchases also contributed.

WSJ: Japanese Stocks Fall Sharply

U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's statement on Wednesday that the Fed might decide at one of its "next few meetings" to start pulling back on its bond purchases, or quantitative easing, contributed to the sour mood.

WSJ: Nikkei Drops 7.3%

The chairman's written statement Thursday said his March 5 comment was "wrong" and that he regrets making it.

WSJ: Standard Chartered Recants, Apologizes for Iran Comments