The market's keen to see U.S. labor costs and economic growth figures for signs of a possible interest rate hike,

The market was short of upward momentum owing to a dearth of strong fund inflows from overseas investors.

The Nikkei 225 had shed more than half the gains it added in its previous rally, so it was a good time for investors to hunt for bargains.

Gains in U.S. stocks and a halt in the yen's rise are both supportive for the market,

Gains in U.S. stocks and a halt in the yen's rise are both supportive for the market.

It's a healthy start. The first trading prices show the market's quite enthusiastic, but not overheated.