Japan’s finance minister hopes for ‘record highs’ as Nikkei rise in first trading of 2026

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei share average jumped nearly 3% on Monday (January 5) during its first trading session of 2026, as Japan’s finance minister hoped more “record highs” would be reached this year.

The Nikkei was up 2.78% at 51,737.80, as of 0209 GMT on Monday, snapping a two-session losing streak at year-end. The broader Topix climbed to a record high, rising 2% to 3,478.27.

In a keynote speech, Japanese finance minister Satsuki Katayama vowed that Japan would never return to deflation “under any circumstances.”

“We are implementing every possible policy so that responsible and proactive fiscal measures can make concentrated investments in growth sectors. Our goal is to build a strong economy,” said Katayama, before striking the Japan Stock Exchange’s ceremonial bell to mark the first trading session of 2026.

The surge in Japanese equities followed a dramatic weekend of events, which saw the U.S. capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday (January 3) he was putting Venezuela under temporary American control.

Japanese financial markets were closed from December 31-January 4 for the New Year holiday.

Production: Joseph Campbell/Reuters