Japan’s Nikkei share average ended at its highest level in more than 7-1/2 years on Thursday as a weak yen boosted exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp and Sony Corp, while investors awaited the outcome of Greek debt negotiations.

The Nikkei benchmark gained 1.9 per cent to 17,979.72, the highest closing level since July 2007.

Fanuc Corp soared 6.2 per cent and hit a record high after the Nikkei business daily reported that Third Point bought a stake in the industrial robot maker. It contributed a hefty 51.36 points to the Nikkei benchmark or more than 15 per cent of the Nikkei’s point gains.

The broader Topix rose 1.5 per cent to 1,449.39, with 2.77 billion shares changing hands, the biggest number since December 12. Turnover was ¥3.160 trillion ($ 26.30 billion), the highest since the same date.

The JPX-Nikkei Index 400 added 1.5 per cent to 13,136.59. ($ 1 = 120.1500 yen)