TOKYO, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average advanced on Monday to hit a five-month closing high as the yen softened against the dollar, but gains were capped by profit-taking and concerns over the euro zone and North Korea.
The yen hit a fresh 2-month low against the dollar in early Asia trade, lifting shares of exporters such as Sony Corp and helping the market regain a positive tone that has seen it rally about 10 percent this month.
Players said an 85 billion euro ($112 billion) bailout of Ireland had calmed markets for now, but in the long run there were fears contagion would strike fellow strugglers Spain and Portugal.
The benchmark Nikkei rose 0.9 percent or 86.43 points to 10,125.99, its highest finish since June 21.
The broader Topix index advanced 0.9 percent to 874.59. (Reporting by Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Michael Watson)