Japan shares closed higher Tuesday, lifted by expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike as inflation and hawkish policy signals drove bond yields to multi-year highs.
The Nikkei 225 rose 0.39%, or 151.05 points, to end at 39,325.30.
Markets are bringing forward expectations for a 1% BOJ rate hike to January 2026, citing persistent inflation.
Former BOJ official Nobuyasu Atago sees a potential hike as soon as the April 30-May 1 meeting, noting rising bond yields signal markets are pricing at the risk of an earlier move.
On the corporate front, Frontier Real Estate Investment (TYO:8964) will acquire a 30% stake in Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport AICHI TOGO for 10.95 billion yen, comprising the land for 5.75 billion yen and buildings for 5.20 billion yen.
The Aichi Prefecture mall, opened in 2020 with around 200 stores, will be delivered on March 26.
Green Earth Institute (TYO:9212), Nippon Paper (TYO:3863), and Sumitomo Corp (TYO:8053) have formed Morisora Bio Refinery to produce bioethanol from woody biomass at Nippon Paper's Iwanuma Mill in Miyagi.
The plant aims for 1,000 kL of annual output by 2027 to support Japan's SAF market, with large-scale expansion planned by 2030.
Media Do (TYO:3678) has agreed to partner with Amutus Corp. to expand eBook wholesale operations, including joint development for the "Mecha Comic" service and potential new labels.
Media Do will also transfer its subsidiary Everystar Co. to Amutus.
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