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Japan's stock markets moved higher on Friday, with the Nikkei 225 gaining 1.3% to close at 53,123 and the broader TOPIX rising 0.9% to 3,645, helping trim weekly losses to 0.4%. Investor sentiment improved as global efforts picked up to restore oil shipments through the Gulf, which had been disrupted by the ongoing conflict in Iran. Several countries are working to restart flows through the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump signaled a tougher stance, even as the conflict'ongoing since late February'continues to keep energy markets volatile. Hopes that oil shipments could partially resume helped ease crude prices in Tokyo, supporting equities, especially given Japan's dependence on imported energy. At the same time, improving sentiment around the Middle East and growing optimism about AI-driven growth boosted expectations for strong corporate earnings in the coming season. Among notable movers, Furukawa Electric jumped 10.4%, Fujikura rose 7.5%, and Sakura Internet surged 20.2% to its daily limit after Microsoft announced a '1.6 trillion AI partnership in Japan.
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