As of 2:40 pm, the Nikkei average is up 425 yen. In terms of Nikkei contribution, First Retail <9983>, Daiichi Sankyo <4568>, and Recruit HD <6098> are among the top contributors, while Laser Tech <6920>, Dentsu Group <4324>, and Nissan Chemical <4021> are among the top negative contributors. In terms of sectors, marine transportation, insurance, mining, securities and futures for commodity, and oil and coal products are among the top gainers, while pulp and paper and iron and steel are among the top losers.

The Nikkei average is trading in the high range. Tonight, Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), will participate in a discussion at the European Central Bank (ECB) sponsored forum. In addition, the US Employment Situation report for May (JOLTS) will be released.