The Nikkei 225 Index jumped 1.35% to close at 49,299 while the broader Topix Index gained 0.48% to 3,269 on Friday, reversing losses from the previous session, with technology and AI-related stocks leading the rebound. The tech sector got a boost recently after new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged targeted investments in AI and other key industries. Major gainers included SoftBank Group (5.3%), Kioxia Holdings (18.6%), Fujikura (3.9%), Advantest (4%), and Disco Corp (5.1%). Japanese equities also mirrored Wall Street’s tech-driven rally overnight, while sentiment improved after the White House confirmed that the Trump-Xi meeting will go ahead next week. Meanwhile, data showed Japan’s core inflation accelerated to 2.9% in September from 2.7% in August, though the Bank of Japan is still expected to keep interest rates unchanged next week.