The Nikkei 225 edged up 0.16% to close at 58,850, while the broader Topix Index advanced 1.5% to 3,939 on Friday, reversing earlier losses as gains in consumer and financial shares offset weakness in the technology sector. Japanese equities also posted strong results in February, supported by investor rotation into companies expected to benefit from expanding AI infrastructure. Over the month, the Nikkei 225 rose 10.37% and the Topix climbed 10.44%.
In corporate news, Nintendo gained 3% after reports that it plans to retire up to 1.2% of its outstanding shares, equivalent to 100 billion yen. Sony Group jumped 7.2% after increasing the size of its ongoing share buyback program to as much as 250 billion yen from 150 billion yen. By contrast, technology stocks lagged despite strong earnings from Nvidia, underscoring persistent market sensitivity to AI-related risks. Notable decliners included Fujikura (-2.6%), Advantest (-4.5%) and Disco Corporation (-4.5%).
