The Nikkei Stock Average edged 0.3% higher to 66212.61, tracking Wall Street's gains from Friday. Japanese stocks fluctuated between mild gains and losses as investors processed the U.S.-Canada trade dispute. Late Friday, negotiations between the two nations collapsed at the 11th hour, raising concerns that the conflict — involving a nearly $900 billion-a-year trading relationship — could escalate into a full-scale trade war.

Among top performers on the benchmark index, JX Advanced Metals rose 3.3%, Screen Holdings added 3.1%, and Bay Current advanced 3.0%. The dollar traded at 158.85 yen, up from Y158.50 at Friday's market close.