The Nikkei was slightly higher at the close on Wednesday, helped by a rise in chip and technology stocks, but its rally was limited by a fall in Nintendo Corp.
The Nikkei closed up 0.16 percent after swinging between losses and small gains throughout the session in weak trading due to the Christmas holidays, while the broader Topix index rose 0.09 percent.
Sony’s stock was one of the top gainers on the Nikkei, adding 2.77 percent after the company’s India unit completed a deal with local rival Z Entertainment to merge their TV channels and broadcasting platforms.
Tokyo Electron rose 0.74 percent and Advantest gained 1.4 percent.
On the other hand, Nintendo shares fell 1.66%.