Overview

• The Nikkei rose 1.77% to 48,580.44 for its first-ever close above 48,000, while the Topix added 0.68% to a fresh record with more muted progress.
• SoftBank shares jumped about 11–13% after it announced the acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, delivering the biggest single boost to the index.
• Tech and automation stocks gained broadly, including a sharp move in Yaskawa, which climbed roughly 10%, with peers showing smaller advances.
• A weaker yen near ¥153 per dollar and fading expectations of a near-term Bank of Japan rate increase supported export-facing shares.
• Strategists warned of overheating with the Nikkei’s RSI near 77 and highlighted political uncertainty under new LDP leader Sanae Takaichi and the start of earnings as potential volatility drivers.