The Nikkei 225 Index declined 0.8% toward 59,000 on Friday, retreating from record highs as investors assessed the likelihood of a lasting ceasefire deal between the US and Iran. In recent developments, US President Donald Trump voiced confidence that the conflict with Iran could end soon, asserting that Tehran had agreed to conditions including abandoning its nuclear ambitions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, a step seen as potentially facilitating further US–Iran negotiations.
In Japan, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated that the central bank must factor in Japan’s low real interest rates when setting policy. Market participants remain split on whether the BOJ will raise rates again later this month. Technology shares led the decline, with notable losses in Kioxia Holdings (-2.3%), SoftBank Group (-1.2%), Lasertec (-3%), Tokyo Electron (-2.9%), and Fujikura (-0.5%).
