* Nikkei 225 Stock Average: +38.39 (+0.2%) to 18,002.03
* Nikkei 225 futures Osaka: +50 (+0.3%) to 18,020, Singapore (SGX) 18,010, Chicago (CME) 7/24 — 17,745
* TOPIX: +8.70 (+0.5%) to 1,765.99; Advancers 1,002 x decliners 600, New highs 34 x new lows 90 (unchanged 128); 23/33 sectors posted gains
* Jasdaq: +0.46 (+0.6%) to 78.88
* Recent yen strength continues
* Nintendo climbs higher; Nissan’s earnings down, maintains FY profit