Japanese Shares Rise on US-Iran Optimism

2026-05-29 01:03 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 Index jumped 2.53% to close at 66,329 while the broader Topix Index climbed 1.41% to 3,957 on Friday, as Japanese equities resumed their rally toward fresh record highs after reports that the US and Iran had reached a temporary agreement to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and begin negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.

The report also pointed to a possible resumption of unrestricted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, driving energy prices lower and easing concerns for oil-importing economies such as Japan.

On the domestic front, data showed Japan’s retail sales expanded at the fastest pace in a year, while industrial production unexpectedly increased.

Among notable gainers, Kioxia rose 7.5%, SoftBank Group jumped 5.1%, Murata Manufacturing advanced 12.7%, Taiyo Yuden gained 13.9%, and Ibiden Co climbed 16.5%.

The Nikkei and Topix indexes advanced 11.88% and 6.17%, respectively, for the month, driven largely by renewed optimism around artificial intelligence.



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