In early trading on Friday, Japanese stock indices strengthened even as Japanese government bond futures edged lower.

Expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates again boosted the financial sector, which even outperformed technology stocks today, and this higher opening is a positive signal for investors.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group rose 2.5%, while Mizuho Financial Group gained 3.1%.

The Topix Banks Index is on track for its best single-day performance since mid-August.