03.04.202607:02:04UTC+00Japanese Shares Trim Weekly Losses

The Nikkei 225 rose 1.3% to close at 53,123, while the broader TOPIX advanced 0.9% to 3,645 on Friday, trimming weekly losses to 0.4%. Sentiment improved on the back of global efforts to restore Gulf oil shipments disrupted by the war in Iran. Several countries moved to revive flows through the Strait of Hormuz after US President Trump signaled a more assertive stance, even as the conflict—ongoing since late February—continues to fuel volatility in energy markets.

Prospects for a partial reopening helped ease crude prices in Tokyo, supporting equities, particularly given Japan’s heavy dependence on imported energy. The brighter outlook for the Middle East, coupled with optimism over AI-driven growth, bolstered expectations for solid corporate results in the upcoming earnings season.

AI-related names outperformed: suppliers Furukawa Electric and Fujikura jumped 10.4% and 7.5%, respectively, while Sakura Internet soared 20.2% to its daily limit after Microsoft announced a ¥1.6 trillion AI partnership in Japan.