The Nikkei stock index ended 0.08 percent higher Thursday bolstered by brisk U.S. trade data released overnight.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 11.41 points from Wednesday to 15,079.37, its highest finish since March 11.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange lost 1.20 points, or 0.10 percent, at 1,232. 75, snapping its 10-day winning streak.
Major gainers included air transport, precision machinery and retail issues.
The turnover was 1864.4 billion yen (about 18.18 billion U.S. dollars).