TOKYO: Tokyo stocks closed 1.46 percent higher on Wednesday following strong gains on Wall Street and as the weaker yen lifted exporter shares.
The Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose 224.00 points to 15,553.91, while the Topix index of all first-section issues was up 1.49 percent, or 18.64 points, at 1,270.64.
On currency markets, the dollar bought 108.13 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade, up from 107.86 yen in Tokyo on Tuesday.
A weak yen is positive for Japanese exporters such as Sony and Toyota as it makes them more competitive abroad and inflates profits when repatriated.
Data released by Japan's industry ministry early Wednesday showed industrial output rose a higher-than-expected 2.7 percent in September from a month before, but traders downplayed its significance for stocks.
Investors were largely focused on the outcome of the US Federal Reserve's meeting.
The policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is widely expected to announce it is winding down its stimulus programme, but any hint about its future interest rate policy could sway markets.
"Volume levels remain light, in line with recent sessions, as investors await the outcome of the US FOMC meeting later," said Yoshihiro Okumura, general manager at Chibagin Asset Management.
"Against the backdrop of pretty bad economic data from Europe and a slowing China, investors are eager to hear the Fed's take on current developments," he told Dow Jones Newswires.
A dovish tone could dampen expectations that the US central bank would start raising the key federal funds rate earlier than expected, sending the dollar lower.
"Despite a recent fall in US interest rates, however, dollar selloffs have not been steep, which is encouraging for Japan stock investors," Okumura said.
Takata, whose faulty airbags prompted US transport authorities to call for recalls of millions of vehicles, fell 5.63 percent to 1,440.0 yen after media reports of a US consumer lawsuit against the firm.
Honda slipped 0.07 percent to 3,303.5 yen after the automaker posted a rise of almost 19 percent in its six-month net profit but cut its full-year earnings forecast due to a series of recalls.
Sony, which will announce half-year earnings on Friday, jumped 5.42 percent to 2,001.5 yen after the Nikkei business daily said the firm would leave its annual forecasts unchanged despite poor smartphone sales.
Online shopping giant Rakuten rose 2.66 percent to 1,193.0 yen after announcing the group would start mobile phone service.
Toyota gained 1.45 percent to 6,262.0 yen.
In New York the blue-chip Dow jumped back above 17,000 Tuesday following a strong report on US consumer confidence and another round of mostly solid corporate earnings. (AFP)
