The Nikkei Stock Average rose more than ¥700 at one point in morning trading, ending the session up ¥43.87 from the previous day at ¥63,966.87. Gains in semiconductor stocks and lower crude oil prices were cited as the main factors.
The Nikkei Stock Average rose for a second straight session in morning trading in Tokyo, with its gain exceeding ¥700 at one point. Buying led gains in technology-related stocks, following an advance in semiconductor stocks in the previous day's U.S. market. The Tokyo Stock Exchange Stock Price Index, or TOPIX, ended the morning session at 4,091.06.
The rise in a stock index comprising major semiconductor stocks in the U.S. market spread to Tokyo, prompting buying in high-priced stocks such as SoftBank Group. After the initial buying subsided, however, the market was at times pressured by profit-taking.
The decline in crude oil prices also supported investor sentiment. Reports that Saudi Arabia would expand crude oil shipments via Oman eased concerns over supply, sending crude oil prices lower. The yen weakened against the dollar, prompting buying in export-related stocks as well.