TOKYO: Tokyo shares have opened 1.16 per cent higher thanks to a weaker yen as well as higher US stocks driven by strong economic data, while investors watched for developments in the Greek crisis.
The Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange climbed 236.62 points to 20,565.94 at the start on Thursday.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.79 per cent on Wednesday, following European equities higher on hopes for a deal with Greece as US data showed private-sector hiring accelerated in June.
US businesses added 237,000 jobs last month, up from 203,000 in May and the highest such figure since December, according to payroll firm ADP.
The report boosted expectations for official monthly payrolls data to be released on Thursday.
A strong reading would lift expectations that the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates soon.
The US dollar was at 123.33 yen early on Thursday, up 123.15 yen in New York late on Wednesday and 122.48 yen in Tokyo earlier on Wednesday.
A weaker yen is positive for Japanese exporters as it makes them more competitive abroad and increases profits when repatriated.
The euro fetched $US1.1041 and 136.18 yen on Thursday against $US1.1053 and 136.12 yen in US trade.
