The Nikkei Stock Average ended at a 15-year high Wednesday as investors bought Japanese equities on expectations the Bank of Japan will expand its already massive monetary easing program in the near future.
The 225-issue Nikkei index ended up 149.27 points, or 0.76 percent, from Tuesday at 19,789.81, the highest close since April 2000, according to Japan's (Kyodo) News Agency.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished 9.92 points, or 0.63 percent, higher at 1,588.47.
Major gainers included mining, utility and retail issues.