Tokyo stocks were sharply lower Wednesday morning, with the Nikkei index briefly sinking over 4 percent, as weaker-than-expected U.S. manufacturing data and falls in U.S. technology shares hurt sentiment. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 1,280.72 points, or 3.31 percent, from Tuesday to 37,405.59. The broader Topix index was down 75.69 points, or 2.77 percent, at 2,657.58. The U.S. dollar remained weak in the lower 145 yen range as the yen, seen as a safe-haven asset, was bought as the Japanese stock market plunged, dealers said. At noon, the dollar fetched 145.45-46 yen compared with 1…