The Nikkei stock index surpassed the 37,000-point threshold for the first time in 34 years early Friday, buoyed by gains in exporter issues on a weaker yen and blue chips which have reported solid earnings.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 138.48 points, or 0.38 percent, from Thursday to 37,001.76 after briefly topping 37,100. The broader Topix index was down 6.08 points, or 0.24 percent, at 2,556.55.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by metal product, mining, and information and communication issues, while the main decliners were marine transportation, and textile and apparel shares.
The U.S. dollar maintained a firmer tone in the lower 149 yen range in the morning after briefly hitting its highest level since late November of 149.48 yen in New York.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 149.25-28 yen compared with 149.28-38 yen in New York and 148.71-73 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0776-0780 and 160.83-92 yen against $1.0772-0782 and 160.91-161.01 yen in New York and $1.0780-0781 and 160.32-36 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.
