Japanese Market Extending Gains Into Fourth Day TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese stock market is higher on Friday, extending gains of the previous three sessions, with the Nikkei 225 breaking above the 29,500 level, following the broadly positive cues overnight from Wall Street as a report that showed initial jobless claims declined more than expected and easing bond yields stoked hopes about the economic recovery. The market continues to be driven by technology shares. The benchmark Nikkei 225 Index is rising 302.35 points or 1.04 percent to the day's high of 29,513.99, after touching a low of 29,210.40 in early trades. Japanese shares closed higher on Thursday.