TOKYO, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher on Friday, buoyed by gains in semiconductor-related shares and lower crude oil prices.
The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 813.88 points, or 1.20 percent, from Thursday at 68,557.73.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 15.71 points, or 0.39 percent, higher at 4,036.08.
On the top-tier Prime Market, metal product, nonferrous metal, and information and communication shares stood out among the gainers.
The Nikkei stock index remained in positive territory throughout the session, though some downward pressure emerged in the afternoon. Heavyweight semiconductor- and artificial intelligence-related shares attracted buying following overnight advances by their U.S. counterparts.
Investors were also encouraged by easing concerns over the Middle East tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump said Iranian officials had reached out and expressed a willingness to negotiate a diplomatic resolution. The improved sentiment helped send crude oil futures lower and ease upward pressure on the benchmark Japanese government bond yield, analysts said. ■
