The Nikkei 225 Index jumped 2.7% to move above 53,600, while the broader Topix Index advanced 2.3% to 3,642 on Wednesday, marking a second consecutive session of gains. Sentiment improved as hopes grew for an end to the prolonged Middle East conflict, following reports that the US was stepping up diplomatic efforts with Iran. Israeli media reported that Washington was seeking a one-month ceasefire to pave the way for negotiations, while the New York Times noted that the US had sent Tehran a 15-point proposal aimed at resolving the conflict.
Oil prices retreated on these developments, easing pressure on energy-importing economies such as Japan and bolstering overall market mood. Technology and AI-related stocks led the rally, with notable gains in Kioxia Holdings (3%), Fujikura (5.2%), SoftBank Group (4.6%), Advantest (2.4%), and Tokyo Electron (2.2%).
