Hitachi Zosen led the advancers in the Nikkei 225 index with a rise of 3.97%, followed by gains in Shin-Etsu Chemicals of 3.88%, in Mitsubishi Rayon Company of 3.40%, in Sumitomo Chemical Company of 3.36%, and in Sony Corporation of 3.30%.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry reported today in its preliminary report on Current Survey of Commerce that retail sales increased in the fastest pace in more than two years by 0.8% to 11.0 trillion yen in October. Analysts had forecasted a 0.7% gain. Commercial sales firmed 4.3% to 51.3 trillion yen compared to a 1.1% rise or 51.8 trillion in September.

Wholesale sales accelerated by 5.3% to 40.3 trillion yen in November compared to 1.2% or 41.0 trillion yen realised in October, while large-scale retail stores sales fell 0.2% to 1.7 trillion yen in November.

METI also added that fuel sales climbed 2.3%, automobile sales rose 2.5%, while sales of clothing retreated 1.3% as mild weather negatively affected jackets and sweaters.

The Cabinet Office reported yesterday in a monthly economic report that while the economy is recovering corporate profits and business investment have been weak.

However, it observed that improvement in employment markets appear to be on hold and Japan economy may be vulnerable to rising to oil prices and volatility in the global financial markets.

Bloomberg news reported today that Nomura Holdings’ unit Nomura Principal Finance Company has bid 300 billion-yen for ailing Ashikaga Bank, which is currently under state control. Ashikaga Bank reported recently that it has 284 billion yen more debts than assets.

Norinchukin Bank, a credit lender for Japanese farmers and fishermen, said yesterday it had unrealized losses of 53.3 billion yen on 476.7 billion yen of sub-prime related assets in the six months ending in September 07.