TOKYO / MENA Newswire / – Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose above 72,000 for the first time on Monday, setting a fresh record as Tokyo equities extended a sharp June rally. The benchmark share average gained 1.4 percent to 72,247.21 in morning trade. It earlier touched an intraday peak of 72,269.64. The move marked another major milestone for Japan’s stock market after the index closed above 70,000 for the first time last week.
The broader Topix also advanced, rising 1.1 percent to 4,089.59. Both indexes reflected broad demand for Japanese shares during the session. Market data showed 146 Nikkei 225 components rose, while 75 declined and three were unchanged. The advance kept attention on large-cap Japanese equities, especially companies tied to technology, factory automation, retail, and materials.
The Nikkei 225 tracks 225 leading companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Its latest record came after a steady series of new highs in 2026. The index closed at 71,053.49 on June 18, clearing the 70,000 level for the first time. On June 19, it traded near 72,000 but did not decisively clear the mark during regular trading.
Technology shares lead gains
AI-related buying remained a central feature of Monday’s trading. Electric appliance stocks rose, while shares linked to automation and industrial technology also gained. Yaskawa Electric advanced 9.02 percent, and Fanuc climbed 8.10 percent. Those moves added strength to the benchmark, which has heavy exposure to technology, manufacturing, and export-linked companies.
Non-ferrous metals led gains among Topix sectors, rising 7.57 percent. Electric appliances followed with a 2.08 percent increase. Glass and ceramics products gained 2.05 percent. Real estate shares lagged the wider market and fell 1.07 percent. The split showed that the rally remained strongest in sectors tied to industrial demand, technology hardware, and materials.
Retail stock jumps on stake filing
J Front Retailing was the top performer on the Nikkei 225, surging 16.24 percent. The department store operator rose after 3D Investment Partners disclosed a 5.10 percent stake in the company. The filing placed the stock at the center of Monday’s biggest individual moves. Other large gainers came from machinery and robotics, adding to the market’s technology-led tone.
Losses were more limited but still present across parts of the index. Taiyo Yuden fell 3.37 percent, making it the largest decliner among Nikkei components. Tokyo Electric Power dropped 3.05 percent, while Obayashi lost 2.99 percent. Monday’s record kept the Nikkei 225 in focus for global investors tracking Japan stocks, AI-linked equities, and the wider performance of Asian markets.