Japan equities were higher at the close on Thursday, as gains in the construction, machinery and communication sectors propelled shares higher. At the close on the Tokyo stock exchange Nikkei 225 rose by 0.15% to a month high. The leaders of growth among the components of the Nikkei 225 at the end of today's trading were shares of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. (T:5713), which rose by 350,0 p. (7,84%), closing at 4,816, 0. Quotes Pacific Metals Co., Ltd. (T:5541) rose 195,0 p. (5,50%), closed trading at a level 3.740,0. Paper Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co. (T: 5706) increased in price by 222.5 p. (4.61%), closing at 5.045,0.