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The Nikkei average gained 0.7 percent to 21,968.10 while the broader Topix added 0.6 percent to 1,751.03.
Tuesday's winners included defensive names and domestic-demand sensitive stocks such as utility shares, food processors and drugmakers. Tokyo Gas surged 2.5 percent, Ajinomoto advanced 1.4 percent and Eisai soared 2.1 percent.
Steelmakers fell 0.3 percent, while transport equipment makers lost 0.04 percent, underperforming the overall market since the US tariffs were announced on March 1.