Tokyo shares gained ground on Friday, with the Nikkei 225 climbing on renewed AI sector optimism and hopes for greater pension investment.
The index rose about 1.2 percent to end the week at 68,557. AI and semiconductor shares advanced.
The Nikkei was up as much as 2.4 percent in the morning session. Analysts say there was enthusiasm about a potential strategy shift for Japan’s vast pension funds.
On Friday, Finance Minister Katayama Satsuki said she would explore measures to encourage pension funds, including the Government Pension Investment Fund, to invest in domestic financial assets.
The possibility of the country’s largest pension directing more money into local markets boosted sentiment.