The final Markit/Nikkei manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for Japan declined to 50.1 in February from 50.2 in January, down from the preliminary reading of 50.2.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, a reading below 50 indicates contraction of activity.

The index was driven by a slower growth in output and a drop in new orders.

"Operating conditions in the Japanese manufacturing sector was little-changed in February, following a solid improvement in January. Production growth slowed to a fractional rate, alongside a marginal contraction in new orders," economist at Markit, Amy Brownbill, said.