Tokyo stocks on track to rise next week

Tokyo shares are on track to extend their rally next week after hitting a near three-year high on Friday as a steep decline in the yen provides further support to buyers, analysts said.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index added 1.03 percent, or 111.73 points, to end the week at 10,913.30, its highest since April 2010, while the Topix index of all first-section shares finished up 1.42 percent, or 12.75 points, at 911.44.

"Shares have been rallying in accordance with the yen's declines, and that will likely continue next week, with investors also closely watching the Bank of Japan's policy board meetings" on Monday and Tuesday, said Mizuho Securities' strategist Masahiro Yamaguchi.

On Friday, the Tokyo bourse surged 2.86 percent after a steep fall in the yen following reports that the Bank of Japan will launch fresh easing measures.

BoJ governor Masaaki Shirakawa met Finance Minister Taro Aso and economic revitalisation Minister Akira Amari on Friday over an accord on setting a two-percent inflation target to tackle the deflation that has haunted Japan's economy for years.

The reports and high-profile meeting came as the dollar again topped the 90-yen level in forex trading on Friday, with upbeat US and Chinese economic data also supporting stocks.

A weakening yen tends to boost the local stock market because it makes Japanese exporters' products more competitive overseas.

"The rally this week has already factored in the reports on the BoJ's additional easing, and the next focus is on whether there is a relief, disappointment, or a surprise in the actual BoJ decision," Yamaguchi said.

-- Dow Jones Newswires contributed to this story. --