The Nikkei 225 Index rose 0.29% to close at 58,753, while the broader Topix Index climbed 0.97% to 3,880 on Thursday. Both benchmarks touched fresh record highs but surrendered most of their intraday gains following hawkish signals from the Bank of Japan. Board member Hajime Takata, widely viewed as the most hawkish policymaker, called for additional rate increases and communication that assumes the price stability target is nearly achieved. Governor Kazuo Ueda also reportedly said the central bank will scrutinize economic data at its March and April meetings before deciding on potential rate adjustments, keeping the prospect of a near-term hike on the table. Among notable gainers were Fujikura (+2.4%), Mitsui Kinzoku (+1.3%) and SoftBank Group (+4%). In contrast, sharp declines were seen in Advantest (-1.7%), Disco Corp (-1.2%).