The Nikkei stock index hit a new all-time intraday high early Monday, spurred by the U.S. Dow Jones index climbing to a record high late last week and the buying of export issues on a weaker yen.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 190.72 points, or 0.49 percent, from Thursday to 39,289.40. The broader Topix index was up 10.31 points, or 0.39 percent, at 2,671.02.
Japanese markets were closed Friday for a public holiday.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by chemical, pharmaceutical, and consumer credit issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 150.49-50 yen compared with 150.49-59 yen in New York at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0817-0821 and 162.79-86 yen against $1.0816-0826 and 162.81-91 yen in New York late Friday afternoon.
