Japanese equities are poised to open higher, drawing support from a strong overnight performance by U.S. technology stocks. The positive momentum is likely to be sustained by ongoing expectations for demand related to artificial intelligence. Futures for the Nikkei index on the Singapore Exchange are pointing upwards, having risen 1.1% to 71,040. Market participants are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and awaiting any commentary from Japanese officials regarding the yen's persistent weakness. The Nikkei 225 index closed its previous session on Tuesday with a gain of 0.9%, finishing at 70,062.32.