Tokyo Stocks: Nikkei Average Tops 72,000 Intraday, Lifted by AI and Chips

2026-06-22

Nikkei Average Tops 72,000 Intraday

The Nikkei Stock Average rose in Tokyo trading on the 22nd, surpassing 72,000 for the first time during trading hours. At one point, the gain exceeded 1,000 points, and buying in AI- and semiconductor-related shares supported the market despite lingering caution over tensions in the Middle East.

Buying Concentrated in AI Shares

Shares that had led the market's rise so far, including Murata Manufacturing, Ibiden and Mitsui Mining and Smelting, climbed further. Kioxia Holdings updated its all-time high, and its market capitalization at one point topped 60 trillion yen.

Policy Expectations Also Supportive

Kohei Onishi, senior investment strategy researcher at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, said, 'Among AI and semiconductors, physical AI stocks are strong.' This came after details emerged on the private-public investment package for 17 strategic sectors to be included in the government's growth strategy, which was learned late on the 19th. The plan calls for public and private investment of 10.5 trillion yen by fiscal 2040 in physical AI, a field that uses AI to enable robots to move autonomously.

Following this, buying strengthened in related stocks such as Fanuc. With the United States and Iran also holding talks in Buergenstock in central Switzerland on the 21st aimed at ending the fighting, Daiki Takei, strategist at Resona Holdings, said, 'There is some sluggishness in negotiations over conditions, but expectations for de-escalation are strong. As views grow that earnings recovery will come earlier, buying is broadening beyond just tech.'

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