The Nikkei 225 Index edged up 0.04% to close at 51,326 while the broader Topix Index advanced 0.69% to 3,301 on Thursday, with Japanese shares hitting fresh record highs after the Bank of Japan held rates steady despite two dissenting votes.
The central bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 0.5%, as expected, in a 7-2 decision, with board members Naoki Tamura and Hajime Takata again pushing for a hike to 0.75%.
Markets remain uncertain about a potential move in December as the BOJ maintained a cautious stance, while new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi continues to favor loose monetary policy.
Among individual movers, chip-testing equipment maker Advantest hit new record highs after raising its annual profit outlook on strong demand.
Semiconductor giant Lasertec soared over 20% ahead of its earnings release, while other notable gainers included Kioxia Holdings (8.1%), Fujikura (3.5%), Tokyo Electron (1.5%), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (12%), and NEC Corp (13.2%).
AloJapan.com