The headline figure came in within market expectations, and the sixth straight monthly increase was welcome.

Investors who don't want to take the risk of betting either yes or no are squaring positions, resulting in selling of recent gainers.

If the next premier after reform-minded Koizumi raises concerns about slower progress in structural reforms or debates about the consumption tax, it would be negative for Japanese stocks.

It's good time for the market to take a breather.

We have a bunch of good news today. First, foreign investors took a cue from strong earnings here and stepped up their buying, in particular after the earnings from Sony.

The question is whether other emerging Internet-related companies have done something illegal when applying the (same) scheme.

Shares such as real estate are expected to rise on expectations for land prices.

There is a sense of relief as we have shrugged off the risks that could come from a major event.