TOKYO: Japanese rubber futures closed lower for a fifth straight session on Thursday after government data showed that corporate prices fell the most in six months, highlighting the continued economic pain of the Covid-19 pandemic. Osaka Exchange's rubber contract for May delivery finished 1 yen, or 0.4%, lower at 233.2 yen per kg. The rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for May delivery dropped 1.6% to end at 14,210 yuan per tonne.