TOKYO, July 24 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average rose 1.6 percent on Friday, gaining for an eighth straight day, after upbeat corporate earnings fuelled hopes for a U.S. economic recovery and chip equipment stocks such as Advantest Corp climbed on strong order data.
The benchmark Nikkei advanced 151.61 points to 9,944.55, its highest close since June 30.
The broader Topix rose 1.3 percent to 920.48. (Reporting by Rika Otsuka)