The Nikkei 225 Index surged 1.6% to above 65,700 while the broader Topix Index climbed 1% to 3,942 on Friday, as Japanese equities resumed their rally toward fresh record highs after reports that the US and Iran had reached a temporary agreement to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and begin negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. The report also pointed to a possible resumption of unrestricted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, driving energy prices lower and easing concerns for oil-importing economies such as Japan. On the domestic front, data showed Japan’s retail sales expanded at the fastest pace in a year, while industrial production unexpectedly increased. Among notable gainers, Kioxia rose 2%, SoftBank Group jumped 6.2%, Murata Manufacturing advanced 6.9%, Taiyo Yuden gained 5.8%, and Ibiden Co climbed 4.2%. The Nikkei and Topix indexes remain on track to post monthly gains of more than 10% and 5%, respectively.