The Japanese stock market is likely to experience a period of consolidation, as uncertainties stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict persist and following a significant recent rally fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) enthusiasm. Nikkei futures on the Singapore Exchange advanced 0.2% to 70,000 points. Investors are closely tracking developments in the Iran conflict and movements in crude oil prices. On Friday, the Nikkei index rose 1.5% to close at 69,744.07 points.