Global Market: Japanese shares rise on AI stocks, dividend buying; Nikkei up 1.2%

Japanese shares rose on Friday, led by AI and chip stocks, while investors bought shares ahead of Monday’s mid-term dividend eligibility deadline. The Nikkei 225 gained 1.23% and Topix 1.19%. Banking stocks also advanced strongly, although SoftBank fell 2.63% after Oracle shares declined amid concerns over data-centre power delays.