Tokyo's Nikkei index closes at fresh year high
Tokyo's benchmark stock index on Friday closed at a fresh high for the year, extending a global rally driven by the European Central Bank's move to extend its stimulus programme.
The Nikkei 225 climbed 1.23 percent, or 230.90 points, to end the day at 18,996.37, a whisker shy of the key 19,000 level.
The broader Topix index of all first-section issues was up 0.84 percent, or 12.67 points, to 1,525.36.