A weaker yen fueled shares of Japan's big exporters Friday, propelling the benchmark Nikkei index to a new 15-month closing high ahead of key U.S. jobs data.
The Nikkei 225 stock average rose 116.66 points, or 1.1 percent, to 10,798.32 _ its best finish since Oct. 3, 2008. The broader Topix index added 1 percent to 941.29.
Automakers led the day's gains as the Japanese currency softened against the dollar following new Finance Minister Naoto Kan's call for a weaker yen. Exporters, who assume an average of 91 yen to the dollar for the second fiscal half, stand to benefit from a weaker yen because it increases the value of overseas profits.
Kan reiterated his preference for a weaker yen Friday, hinting at currency intervention if needed, even after Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said earlier that government officials should refrain from commenting on foreign exchange rates.
The dollar climbed as high as 93.76 yen at one point, then retreated to the low 93-yen level.
Toyota Motor Corp., the world's largest automaker, jumped 2.9 percent to 3,960 yen. Honda Motor Co. added 3.1 percent to 3,185 yen, and Nissan Motor Co. finished up 2.2 percent at 807 yen.
Other blue chip exporters also advanced, with Sony Corp. adding 2.4 percent to 2,809 yen and Toshiba Corp. closing up 3.5 percent at 538 yen.
Missing out on the rally was Japan Airlines Corp., which tumbled 11.8 percent to 67 yen in heavy trading.
The Nikkei financial daily reported that the government may approve a plan to help the struggling carrier through court-led bankruptcy. A decision is expected as early as Tuesday, the paper said.
Investors also awaited U.S. jobs data due later in the day that could shed more light on the state of demand for goods made in Asia and other exporting regions.
Japanese financial markets will be closed Monday for a national holiday.
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