Japan's Nikkei 225 index reached a three-week high, closing up 0.4% amid positive sentiment following gains on Wall Street. The increase was driven by buying in the technology sector and was further supported by remarks from Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda, who softened a previously hawkish tone. Investors are closely monitoring comments from central bank officials, including Ueda's upcoming parliamentary questioning and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium. The Nikkei's rise reflects cautious optimism in the Asian markets, with the ASX 200 down 0.4% and KOSPI down 0.5% as market participants brace for significant central bank discussions.