Tokyo shares ended the morning session Thursday sharply higher as the U.S. Federal Reserve signaled it was in no rush to raise its key interest rate.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average skyrocketed 428.11 points, or 2.55 percent, from Wednesday to 17,247.84.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 34.08 points, or 2.52 percent, at 1, 386.09.
Gainers were led by mining, rubber and steel issues.