Concerns over a further escalation of the conflict with Iran eased temporarily, pushing Japanese stocks higher.
Airlines and automakers led the gains. Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. advanced 4.2%, while automaker Subaru Corporation rose 2.8%.
Investors are closely monitoring crude oil prices after US President Donald Trump postponed a major escalation of military action against Iran.
The Nikkei index rose 0.4% to close at 64,859.12 points.