Tokyo stocks rose Monday as the yen's weakness against the U.S. dollar lifted export-oriented issues and concern eased over the Middle East situation.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 354.96 points, or 0.91 percent, from Friday at 39,347.04. The broader Topix index finished 25.70 points, or 0.95 percent, higher at 2,728.32.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by transportation equipment, securities, and oil and coal product issues.
The dollar was firm in the upper 151 yen range as the currency was bought on expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will keep interest rates elevated for longer than projected after stronger-than-expected employment data released Friday, dealers said.
On the stock market, a wide range of issues were sought throughout the day, as investors hunted for bargains after the market's sharp losses late last week, while exporters were lifted by a weaker yen, which boosts their overseas profits when repatriated.
Sentiment also improved as "concerns eased regarding the geopolitical risks in the Middle East" after the Israeli army said it was withdrawing troops from southern Gaza, said Kazuo Kamitani, a strategist in the Investment Content Department of Nomura Securities Co.
Concern over the Middle East was also alleviated by the lack of retaliation by Iran following Israel's suspected killing of Iranian generals in Damascus last week, he added.
