TOKYO, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks extended gains on Wednesday, driven by strong buying in semiconductor-related stocks following gains in U.S. chip shares overnight.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 38,421.19, up 209.68 points, or 0.55 percent, from the previous trading day.
U.S. markets saw the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) rise by about 2 percent, which spurred interest in Japanese semiconductor stocks such as Tokyo Electron, boosting the Nikkei.
In the currency market, the yen weakened to the 145-yen-per-dollar range, supporting gains in some export-oriented stocks like automakers.
At one point, the index rose more than 300 points, but profit-taking and selling from those awaiting a rebound capped further gains.
The broader TOPIX index also rose for a fourth straight session, ending 2.48 points, or 0.09 percent, higher at 2,788.72.
On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, 1,139 advanced, 426 declined, and 64 were unchanged.
