The Nikkei 225 Index surged more than 2% to climb above 70,000 on Thursday, while the broader Topix Index advanced 0.7% to 3,992, snapping a two-day losing streak. Japanese equities followed gains in US stock futures after Micron Technology delivered a strong outlook, reinforcing optimism toward the artificial intelligence sector.
Japanese companies are seen as well placed to benefit from the global buildout of AI infrastructure, supported by their strategic investments in the field. That positioning has helped make them some of the market’s top performers this year. Sentiment was further buoyed by declining oil prices amid progress in US–Iran peace talks, easing worries for Japan’s import-dependent economy.
Chipmakers and AI-related names led the rally, with strong advances from Kioxia Holdings (8.9%), Tokyo Electron (5.8%), Advantest (9.2%), Taiyo Yuden (6.3%), and Murata Manufacturing (4.6%).
