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TOKYO, Aug 22 (Reuters) Japanese share prices are seen edging lower on Tuesday after crude oil prices rose more than $1 a barrel, raising concerns about the impact of higher energy costs on corporate profits and the world economy.

Buying is also likely to be limited due to concerns that the Nikkei had risen too quickly during its latest advance. Last week, it rose more than 540 points, its biggest point advance since January.

''Oil prices have a big impact on the world economy ... so this is something we have to pay attention to,'' said Hiroichi Nishi, general manager of equity marketing at Nikko Cordial Securities.

Oil prices topped $72 a barrel after Iran, the fourth-largest oil exporter, said it would press ahead with its nuclear programme.

Technical factors were also likely to weigh on the Nikkei, Nishi said.

''Technical indicators are also pointing to signs of overheating ... we are seeing signs that the market needs to take a breather,'' he said.

However, Nikkei futures pointed to little change in the market, with September futures closing at 16,015 in Chicago, up 15 points from the Osaka finish.

The Nikkei is expected to move between 15,800 and 16,150 on Tuesday, market participants said.

It fell 0.85 percent to 15,969.04 on Monday.

U.S. stocks fell for the first time in six sessions on Monday, hurt by the rise in oil prices.

STOCKS TO WATCH -- Dentsu Inc The advertising agency said on Monday that its group operating profit grew 23.1 percent to 11.13 billion yen for the three months to June. Sales also expanded 6.4 percent to 484.8 billion yen.

-- Combi Corp. and other baby goods makers The number of births registered with local government offices in Japan increased by 11,618 in the January-June period, the first rise in 6 years, according to a government report released on Monday.

Kyodo News quoted an official at the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry saying that Japan's overall fertility rate, which hit a record low of 1.25 last year, could turn upward in 2006 if the trend of increase in the number of births continues.

REUTERS SK BST0524

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