The benchmark Nikkei Index rose 1.12% to 23,139.76 points, and added 6.59% for the month, the biggest rise since May.
Nikkei fell 2.65% on Friday before closing down 1.41%, as the resignation of Abe due to health reasons raised concerns about the future of fiscal and monetary stimulus. But local media reported that Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga will join the race to succeed Abe, easing fears. A government headed by Suga may continue the fiscal and monetary stimulus put in place by the Abe government.
Jiji’s news agency reported that the ruling FDP will vote on September 14 to choose a new leader to succeed Abe.
The broader Topix index gained 0.83% to 1618.18 points.
The wholesale sector index topped the sectors’ gains on the main stock exchange, rising 4.52% with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway acquisition of more than 5% stakes in Japanese trading companies.
