Japanese stocks were higher in early trade after a fall in crude oil prices amid eased fears about Middle Eastern supplies. The Nikkei 225 rose 0.8% in morning trading, led by gains in chip-related shares. Investors reacted positively to the decline in oil prices, which alleviated concerns about inflationary pressures and potential supply disruptions stemming from the Middle East.

Semiconductor equipment makers and other technology-heavy issues outperformed the broader market, driving the benchmark index higher. The advance follows a period of volatility for Japanese equities, with traders closely monitoring global commodity markets and geopolitical developments for directional cues.