The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 28.09 points, or 0.13 percent, from Wednesday at 22,048.24.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, finished 3.19 points, or 0.20 percent, higher at 1,623.27 after hitting its highest level since early December.
Iron and steel, pulp and paper, and securities house issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.
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