TOKYO: Japanese rubber futures rose on Monday, as Tokyo ramped up its Covid-19 vaccination drive, which may allow the country to ease restrictions that are crimping economic growth and demand for industrial commodities.

Osaka Exchange’s rubber contract for October delivery finished 0.9 yen, or 0.4%, higher at 252.2 yen per kg.

Japan opened mass inoculation centres on Monday as it races to vaccinate most of its elderly population before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

The rubber contract on the Shanghai futures exchange for September delivery rose 1.4% to end the day at 13,695 yuan per tonne.