Chip Stocks Lift Nikkei

Japanese stocks rose in early trading on Friday (Sept. 18, 2026), ahead of the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision. At 9:09 a.m. Tokyo time (7:09 a.m. WIB), the Nikkei 225 index climbed 487.45 points, or 0.76%, to 64,623.70; this figure represents the intraday level during the morning session.

Semiconductor-related stocks were the primary drivers of the market's gains. Lasertec rose approximately 5.3%, while Advantest gained 3.9% early in the session. The rally occurred as falling oil prices helped alleviate concerns regarding energy supply pressures from the Middle East.

Global sentiment also improved following gains on Wall Street on Thursday. The Nasdaq surged 1.7%, the S&P 500 rose 1.1%, and the Dow Jones added 316 points. Declines in oil prices and Treasury yields helped ease pressure on stocks, even though the Federal Reserve had just raised interest rates.

In the foreign exchange market, the dollar traded around 156.15 yen, compared to 155.58 yen at the previous Tokyo market close. A weaker yen could benefit Japanese companies with overseas earnings, as it boosts the value of those revenues when converted into the domestic currency.

However, investor attention is primarily focused on the BOJ, which is expected to raise interest rates to 1.25%—the highest level in 31 years. Since this move has already been largely priced in by the market, comments from Governor Kazuo Ueda regarding the timing and pace of future hikes will be the key focus.