Tokyo, March 19 (BridgeNews) - Japanese shares ended slightly lower in directionless trade as investors awaited the results of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy board meeting currently underway. Besides, the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee is to meet on Tuesday. High-priced high-technology issues came under pressure following the Nasdaq's decline Friday while export-oriented issues drew buying. The Nikkei fell 42.01 points, or 0.3%, to 12,190.97.