Nikkei gains on property rebound, Softbank

TOKYO, Mar 17: The Nikkei average rose 1.51 percent on Friday, with shares in property firms rebounding after comments from the Bank of Japan's governor helped ease concerns about higher interest rates.

Shares in Softbank Corp. gained, helping boost the Nikkei in late trade on news the Internet firm was close to reaching a deal with Vodafone Group Plc to buy the company's struggling Japanese unit.

The Nikkei finished up 243.52 points at 16,339.73.

The broader TOPIX index was up 1.15 percent at 1,663.98.

REUTERS KD SP1243