The Nikkei and Topix stock indexes briefly rose to new intraday all-time highs early Friday, as sentiment was boosted by overnight rises in major European markets.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 62.91 points, or 0.15 percent, from Thursday to 40,976.56. The broader Topix index was up 0.39 point, or 0.01 percent, at 2,898.86.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by mining, pharmaceutical, and oil and coal product shares.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 161.36-37 yen compared with 161.05-08 yen in London at 4 p.m. and 161.27-29 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0808-0812 and 174.40-47 yen against $1.0794-0795 and 174.08-12 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.
U.S. financial markets were closed Thursday for a national holiday.
