Japanese Shares Advance as SoftBank Extends Surge

2026-05-22 00:59 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 Index jumped 2.68% to close at 63,339, while the broader Topix Index rose 1% to 3,892 on Friday, building on gains from the previous session amid renewed optimism surrounding technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks.

SoftBank Group surged nearly 12%, extending the previous day’s 20% rally, after reports indicated that two of its portfolio companies, OpenAI and SB Energy, are progressing toward US initial public offerings.

Other major technology shares also moved higher, including Kioxia Holdings (+3.7%), Fujikura (+7.8%), and Ibiden Co (+7.7%).

On the geopolitical front, Tehran said the latest US proposal had partly narrowed differences between the conflicting sides.

However, remarks from Iran’s Supreme Leader about retaining the country’s uranium stockpile, along with disagreements over proposed tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, continued to cloud prospects for a breakthrough agreement.



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Japanese Shares Advance as SoftBank Extends Surge
The Nikkei 225 Index jumped 2.68% to close at 63,339, while the broader Topix Index rose 1% to 3,892 on Friday, building on gains from the previous session amid renewed optimism surrounding technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks. SoftBank Group surged nearly 12%, extending the previous day’s 20% rally, after reports indicated that two of its portfolio companies, OpenAI and SB Energy, are progressing toward US initial public offerings. Other major technology shares also moved higher, including Kioxia Holdings (+3.7%), Fujikura (+7.8%), and Ibiden Co (+7.7%). On the geopolitical front, Tehran said the latest US proposal had partly narrowed differences between the conflicting sides. However, remarks from Iran’s Supreme Leader about retaining the country’s uranium stockpile, along with disagreements over proposed tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, continued to cloud prospects for a breakthrough agreement.
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