<p>Japanese shares ended higher on Monday, taking cues from gains in e-mini futures and Asian peers, but rising speculations around Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's health weighed on sentiment.</p>.<p>The benchmark Nikkei share average rose 0.28 percent to close at 22,985.51, while the broader Topix gained 0.19 percent to 1,607.13.</p>.<p>Creating tailwinds to the market, e-mini futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.41 percent, while Hong Kong stocks rose 1.48 percent.</p>.<p>Trade volume was subdued as many market participants were absent due to the summer lull.</p>.<p>The volume of shares traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's main board was 0.78 billion.</p>.<p>Investors were wary after Japanese Prime Minister Abe entered a Tokyo hospital to receive a follow-up medical examination from last week.</p>.<p>Last week's medical check-up stoked concerns about Abe's ability to continue as leader due to health issues and fatigue from handling the Covid-19 crisis.</p>.<p>"I'd like to take care of my health and do my best at my job," Abe told reporters after his hospital visit.</p>.<p>Abe, already Japan's longest-serving prime minister, surpassed a half-century-old record set by his great-uncle Eisaku Sato for the longest consecutive tenure as premier on Monday, adding to speculation he may resign after reaching the milestone.</p>.<p>Even if Abe were to resign, the impact on Japan's market would be limited, some analysts say.</p>.<p>"Basically, economic and financial policies won't change, no matter who succeeds (Abe)," said Masahiro Ichikawa, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management.</p>.<p>"There may be a confusion temporarily, but the impact would probably be limited."</p>.<p>Investors also await U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's address at the Kansas City Fed Jackson Hole symposium on Thursday.</p>.<p>The stocks that gained the most among the top 30 core Topix names were Nintendo Co Ltd up 4.79 percent, followed by Mitsui & Co Ltd. </p>
<p>Japanese shares ended higher on Monday, taking cues from gains in e-mini futures and Asian peers, but rising speculations around Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's health weighed on sentiment.</p>.<p>The benchmark Nikkei share average rose 0.28 percent to close at 22,985.51, while the broader Topix gained 0.19 percent to 1,607.13.</p>.<p>Creating tailwinds to the market, e-mini futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.41 percent, while Hong Kong stocks rose 1.48 percent.</p>.<p>Trade volume was subdued as many market participants were absent due to the summer lull.</p>.<p>The volume of shares traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's main board was 0.78 billion.</p>.<p>Investors were wary after Japanese Prime Minister Abe entered a Tokyo hospital to receive a follow-up medical examination from last week.</p>.<p>Last week's medical check-up stoked concerns about Abe's ability to continue as leader due to health issues and fatigue from handling the Covid-19 crisis.</p>.<p>"I'd like to take care of my health and do my best at my job," Abe told reporters after his hospital visit.</p>.<p>Abe, already Japan's longest-serving prime minister, surpassed a half-century-old record set by his great-uncle Eisaku Sato for the longest consecutive tenure as premier on Monday, adding to speculation he may resign after reaching the milestone.</p>.<p>Even if Abe were to resign, the impact on Japan's market would be limited, some analysts say.</p>.<p>"Basically, economic and financial policies won't change, no matter who succeeds (Abe)," said Masahiro Ichikawa, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management.</p>.<p>"There may be a confusion temporarily, but the impact would probably be limited."</p>.<p>Investors also await U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's address at the Kansas City Fed Jackson Hole symposium on Thursday.</p>.<p>The stocks that gained the most among the top 30 core Topix names were Nintendo Co Ltd up 4.79 percent, followed by Mitsui & Co Ltd. </p>