The Nikkei index ended up 0.73% at 22,884.22, with the healthcare and technology sectors leading the advance.

The Nikkei average rose 3.1 per cent to close at 19,638.81, a peak unseen since March 10.

The broader Topix shed 0.6 per cent to 1,702.87.

The Nikkei share average ended 0.2 per cent higher at 21,608.92.

The Nikkei share average ended 0.6 per cent higher to 21,584.50.

The Nikkei share average rose 0.3 per cent to 20,719.33, its highest close since Dec. 19.

Overnight, the Philadelphia Semiconductor index slid 0.49 percent.

The broader Topix closed 1.99 percent lower at 1,562.51, its weakest point since May 2017.

The chip sector was vulnerable, with Sumco Corp tumbling 6.6 per cent.

The Nikkei share average dropped 0.5% to 21,919.33, the lowest close since Nov. 26.

The Nikkei share average gained 0.4 per cent to 23,262.60.

The broader Topix ended 0.1 per cent higher to 1,652.07.

Chip-related stocks were under pressure after the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index dropped 1 per cent overnight.

The yen's depreciation is the key driver, with gains by the S&P 500 and Nasdaq providing additional support

For the week, the Nikkei tumbled 2.4 per cent, its biggest weekly fall since mid-March.

The Nikkei dropped 1.0 per cent to 18,630.97 in midmorning trade after slipping as far as 18,586.84, the lowest level since February 25.

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