TOKYO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher on Thursday, led by gains in heavyweight technology issues after upbeat earnings from U.S. chip giant Nvidia Corp. lifted sentiment in Japan.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 486.12 points, or 1.26 percent, from Wednesday at 39,103.22.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 17.39 points, or 0.64 percent, higher at 2,754.75.
Stocks were up for much of the day in the wake of Nvidia's robust first-quarter earnings report. The better-than-expected results provided a sense of relief, leading to an inflow of funds for buying shares, analysts said.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by electric appliance, machinery and textile and apparel issues. ■
