Japan shares rise on upbeat US data

Japanese shares rose sharply Thursday with sentiment turning upbeat as investors took heart from better-than-expected U.S. economic data.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average gained 156.34 points, or 1.84 percent, to 8,636.33. The broader Topix index added 1.02 percent to 826.81.

"Investors bought back shares as sentiment improved on the better-than-expected new home sales and durable goods orders," said Yutaka Miura, senior strategist at Shinko Securities Co. Ltd.

U.S. new home sales rose 4.7 percent in February, while orders at U.S. factories for cars, household appliances and other durable goods climbed 3.4 percent in the month. …