Japan's Nikkei 225 extended its rise at the open on Aug. 14, regaining the 69,000 level during trading hours for the first time in about a month since July 13. The index started trading 502.58 yen, or 0.74%, above the previous session's close as buying spread across the market after major U.S. stock indexes climbed broadly the day before. TOPIX, the broader Tokyo Stock Price Index, also moved higher and set a record high for a second straight day, crossing 4,200 intraday for the first time. Semiconductor-related shares led the advance, with Advantest (6857.T) extending its record high for a second consecutive day and Kioxia Holdings (285A.T) continuing to surge, while Toyota Motor (7203.T) and Sony Group (6758.T) traded modestly firmer. Major bank shares including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (8306.T) were comparatively weak, highlighting a sector split. The move extends an uptrend in Japanese equities since the start of August, supported by strong domestic earnings, a weak yen and improving investor sentiment as concerns about a U.S. economic slowdown ease. Market attention is now on whether the Nikkei can hold above this psychological level and push higher, with money still flowing into semiconductor names.