Japanese stocks broke a four-session losing streak today after rebounding on bargain hunting in sectors such as real estate and construction.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index rose 278.94 points, or 2.07 per cent, to close at 13,783.45. The index had shed 7.5 per cent of its value the preceding four sessions, including a 3.4-per cent drop yesterday.
Real estate and construction shares led Tokyo's gains. Mitsubishi Estate added 6.98 per cent to 2,450 yen, Sumitomo Realty & Development rose 4.17 per cent to 2,245 yen and Obayashi climbed 7.5 per cent to 602 yen.
Other risers included Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, up 2.1 per cent to 972 yen, Sony, up 2.72 per cent to 5,660 yen, and Nissan Motor, up 3.17 per cent to 1,040 yen.
The broader Topix index, which includes all shares on the exchange's first section, added 28.08 points, or 2.16 per cent, to 1,330.44.
Traders said the market may remain volatile until the next US Federal Reserve Bank meeting concerning interest rates on January 29th-30th.