The Nikkei 225 Index surged 5.58% to close at 62,834 in post-holiday trading on Thursday, climbing to a new all-time high as Japanese equities caught up with the global technology-driven rally. Strong earnings from major tech companies reinforced optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and boosted appetite for semiconductor-related shares. SoftBank Group led gains, soaring more than 18% to a six-month high and marking its strongest daily performance since 2020. Chip-testing equipment maker Advantest and semiconductor equipment supplier Tokyo Electron also advanced sharply, rising 6.8% and 9%, respectively. Other major technology gainers included Fujikura, Lasertec, and Disco Corp. Market sentiment was further lifted by reports that the US and Iran are nearing a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict, with measures that could eventually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and establish a framework for broader nuclear negotiations.