Japan's Nikkei jumps 1.3% as AI and semiconductor stocks rally

Business Sep 30, 2026

Japan's Nikkei index shot up 1.3% on Wednesday, thanks to big gains in AI and semiconductor companies, mirroring a similar rally in US chip stocks.

The Topix index also edged higher, but only about 44% of Tokyo's Prime Market stocks actually moved up, so the excitement was a bit selective.

Tokyo stocks: SoftBank Group, chipmakers rally

SoftBank Group stole the spotlight with its shares soaring over 6%. Chipmakers like Tokyo Electron and Advantest also saw solid bumps.

Taiyo Yuden jumped after teaming up with TDK, which had a good day, too.

Not just tech, major banks like Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group finished strong as well.