TOKYO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks climbed for a second consecutive session on Friday as gains were driven by strong buying in pharmaceutical stocks, with Chugai Pharmaceutical surging on positive drug trial results, boosting investor sentiment.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 34,730.28, up 352.68 points, 1.03 percent from the previous trading day.
Drugmaker Chugai's experimental obesity drug, licensed to U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, reported favorable trial outcomes, sparking expectations for increased royalty income.
Broader interest in regenerative medicine, highlighted at the ongoing Osaka Expo, also supported biotech stocks like Sumitomo Pharma, which collaborates with Kyoto University on iPS cell-based treatments.
Despite concerns over U.S. tariff policies, optimism over a potential Japan-U.S. agreement helped ease investor anxiety. However, market analysts cautioned that the outlook remains uncertain, with final agreements potentially taking time.
The broader TOPIX index also gained, rising 28.92 points, or 1.14 percent, to 2,559.15.
On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, 1,496 stocks rose, 120 declined, and 20 remained unchanged. ■