Japan’s benchmark JP225 index stood at 64,411 points on September 3, 2026, up 0.13% from the previous session. The index has gained 0.71% over the past month and remains sharply higher than its level a year ago. The Nikkei 225 has also remained close to historically elevated levels after reaching a record high of 73,007 points in June 2026.
Nikkei 225 Falls, Topix Gains
Japanese equities had a mixed session on Thursday as a sudden strengthening of the yen weighed on investor sentiment. The Nikkei 225 fell about 0.2% to around 64,200, while the broader Topix index advanced 0.7% to approximately 4,110. The yen’s appreciation created pressure on companies that generate a significant portion of their earnings overseas. A stronger domestic currency can reduce the value of overseas earnings when they are converted back into yen.
Why Is The Yen Strengthening?
The yen strengthened amid speculation that Japanese authorities may have conducted a rate check, a move that can signal increased attention to currency-market movements. The currency shift has made investors more cautious about Japan’s export-heavy stocks while also affecting the attractiveness of Japanese assets for overseas investors.
Japan Stocks: Key Gainers And Losers
Several major technology companies came under pressure during the session.
• Advantest: down 1.6%
• Fujikura: down 1.2%
• Taiyo Yuden: down 1.3%
Financial stocks performed better, with gains recorded by:
• Mitsubishi UFJ: up 1.5%
• Sumitomo Mitsui: up 2.1%
• Mizuho Financial: up 1.5%
Oil Prices And Global Yields Support Sentiment
Japanese equities also received some support from lower oil prices following US President Donald Trump’s comments that the latest attacks on Iran would be short-lived. Global bond yields also moved lower from recent highs as investors continued to assess the outlook for inflation and interest rates. Despite these factors, the stronger yen kept the broader market without a clear direction during Thursday’s trading session.
