Tokyo, March 6 (BridgeNews) - Japanese shares ended sharply higher as short-covering emerged in technology and telecommunication issues following recent losses, and encouraged by the Nasdaq's rise overnight, dealers said. Export-oriented issues were also higher on hopes of increased earnings due to the yen's depreciation. The Nikkei closed at the day's high of 12,687.74, up 365.58 points, or 3%.