The Nikkei Average closed more than ¥685 higher, as buying in AI- and semiconductor-related stocks continued. The index ended up 1.08% from the previous day at ¥63,954.19, with trading value reaching the ¥8 trillion range.
The Nikkei Average extended its sharp advance in Tokyo trading on the 28th, ending up ¥685.82 from the previous day at ¥63,954.19. TOPIX edged lower, while estimated trading volume on the TSE Prime Market was 2.3821 billion shares. There were 432 gainers and 1,096 decliners on the Prime Market, indicating volatile conditions across individual stocks.
Buying in semiconductor and AI-related stocks dominated against a backdrop of a sharp rise in the SOX Index in U.S. trading, pushing the Nikkei higher. Strong results from South Korea's SK hynix were well received, and fund flows in the South Korean market helped improve sentiment in Japan. Semiconductor equipment-related and materials stocks were particularly strong, with Advantest, Tokyo Electron and others contributing to the index's rise.
Some stocks, including Sony Group and Nintendo, were sold, and decliners were also numerous. While interest was concentrated in AI-related stocks across the market, price movements overall were uneven. In addition to the major indices at the close, top contributors to the Nikkei included Advantest, Tokyo Electron, SoftBank Group, Kioxia and Ibiden, supporting the index's rise.
Among individual catalyst stocks, Heartseed, Sakura Internet, Makuake, MARUWA, Nippon Casting, Sanyo Denki and Toli also showed movement, while SecureV and Kitasato were among the stocks influencing market trends. Although overall sentiment appeared to be improving, disparities between individual stocks remained significant.