Nikkei average is up 276 yen (as of 13:50). In terms of Nikkei average contribution, Advantest <6857>, Fast Retailing <9983>, and Toei Electronics <8035> are among the top positive contributors, while Tokio Marine Holdings <8766>, Nintendo Co Ltd <7974>, and Mitsui & Co Ltd <8031> are among the top negative contributors. In sectors, retail trade, precision instruments, service industry, information & communications industry, and pharmaceuticals are top gainers, while mining, electric & gas industry, insurance industry, wholesale trade, and iron & steel are top decliners.

The Nikkei average is showing resilience in lower levels. The continued trend of a weak yen and high dollar level is providing a sense of security in the stock market. On the other hand, the significant drop in the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index and Shanghai Composite Index seems to be weighing on the Tokyo market's stock prices.