TOKYO, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average jumped 2.1 percent on Thursday to a five-month closing high above the closely watched 10,000 level as a fall in the yen against the dollar drew strong inflows from foreign and domestic investors.
Foreign fund operators bought back defensive stocks such as drugmakers, and strong buying emerged in shares of exporters and financials, traders said.
The benchmark Nikkei advanced 201.97 points to 10,013.63, its highest finish since June 22. Its gains speeded up after a break above solid resistance at its 200-day moving average around 9,920, which has been in place since May.
The broader Topix rose 2.2 percent to 868.81. (Reporting by Chikafumi Hodo; Editing by Michael Watson)