Nikkei Average Closes Above 50,000 Points on Year-End Trading Day; Prime Minister Takashi Visits Market and Shares Optimism

Tokyo Stock Market Ends Year with Nikkei Average at 50,339.48 Points

On December 30, 2025, the Tokyo Stock Exchange wrapped up its year-end trading session. The Nikkei 225 closed at 50,339.48 points, down 187.44 points from the previous day, marking the first time it closed above 50,000 points at year’s end [1][3][4].

In the morning, the market declined mainly driven by futures trading, reacting to a drop in U.S. stocks. The index fell over 300 points at one point but managed to stay above 50,000 thanks to buy-to-close activity, despite some profit-taking [1].

The TOPIX index fell 17.55 points to close at 3,408.97. Out of the 1,194 declining stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, only 356 gained [1].

Prime Minister Takashi Attends Year-End Market Closure: 'We’ll Keep Running Toward Victory'

Prime Minister Takashi participated in the year-end market closing ceremony, emphasizing, “We will keep running and running until we achieve victory for Japan.”

Japan’s national soccer team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, also visited the market. Experts noted that expectations for aggressive fiscal policies and growth in AI-related stocks supported the market rally [2].

While the market experienced a sharp dip near 30,000 points earlier in 2025 due to President Trump’s tariffs announcement, it recovered and gained momentum in the latter half of the year [3].

Sector Trends and Notable Stocks

• Top Gaining Sectors: Mining, Precision Instruments, Shipping, Electric & Gas Utilities [1].
• Leading Declining Sectors: Securities & Commodities, Nonferrous Metals, Miscellaneous Manufacturing, Services, and Financials [1].

In infrastructure-related stocks, Kawaiden (6648) saw buying activity triggered by share lending market operations, supported by strong earnings forecasts [1].

Fujitsu (6702) was upgraded by Daiwa Securities due to its AI platform expansion, earning top domestic ratings [1].

Looking Back at 2025’s Stock Market Rise and 2026 Outlook

The market rose over 10,000 points compared to the end of 2024, reaching above 52,000 for the first time in October, driven by AI growth expectations [3].

The Takashi administration’s responsible fiscal policies are being watched closely for their potential to create a positive cycle of inflation and wage growth. However, some analysts warn of overheating risks [2].

While some predict the Nikkei could surpass 60,000 in 2026, many market experts remain cautious about the sustainability of this bullish trend [2][3].

Market Trading Highlights

• Highest Nikkei Level: 50,534.64 points
• Lowest Nikkei Level: 50,198.97 points
• Trading Volume: 1.56798 billion shares (TSE Prime)
• Trading Value: 3.7436 trillion yen (TSE Prime)
• Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth 250 Index: 675.21 (-7.33)

Ending a record-breaking year of stock gains, investor sentiment remains bullish and optimistic about the year ahead [4].