The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 19.75 points, or 0.09 percent, from Friday at 22,098.84. Financial markets in Japan were closed Monday for a national holiday.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 6.71 points, or 0.42 percent, to finish at 1,622.94.
The end-September first-half book closing prompted some market participants to buy stocks with lucrative dividends for the April-September period.
"High dividend-paying stocks, including insurers, advanced. Buying to grab dividends is expected to continue until Thursday, the last day before such rights expire," said Makoto Sengoku, market analyst at the Tokai Tokyo Research Institute.
However, shares remained top-heavy, anchored by a slowing global economy following sluggish business activity readings from Europe on Monday, and concern over the fast pace of the market's recent rally, brokers said.
By the close of play, insurance, retail and metal product issues comprised those that gained the most, and advancing issues outnumbered decliners 1,329 to 729 on the First Section, while 93 ended unchanged.
Among insurers, Sony Financial Holdings advanced 27 yen, or 1.1 percent, to 2,399 yen, while Tokio Marine Holdings climbed 120 yen, or 2.0 percent, to 6,020 yen.
On the main section on Tuesday, 1,208.33 million shares changed hands, decreasing from Friday's 1,458.59 million shares.
Latest comments