TOKYO, July 9 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average hit its lowest close in seven weeks on Thursday, weighed down by exporters such as Canon (7751.T: Quote, Profile, Research) as the yen stays near five-month highs against the dollar amid growing doubts about a speedy recovery in the global economy.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 fell 1.4 percent or 129.69 points to 9,291.06, its lowest finish since May 22.

The broader Topix declined 1.7 percent to 873.91. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)