Tokyo's Nikkei 225 surged to an all-time high on Thursday, crossing the 61,000 mark for the first time as markets reopened following a holiday break.
The index jumped 3.38% to 61,523.36 in early trading, later climbing over 4% to hit 61,937.78. The broader Topix also rose 2.02%, reaching 3,803.95.
Analysts point to three key drivers: surging optimism around AI-related tech earnings, sentiment tracking Wall Street's recent record highs, and reports that Iran is reviewing a U.S. proposal to end the two-month war. The Nikkei is also catching up to a strengthening yen after suspected intervention by Tokyo last week.
South Korea's Kospi index opened at a fresh high as well, rising 1.55% after closing up more than 6% on Wednesday.