Japanese equities rose for the first time in the last five days, pacing gains in Nikkei 225 Index. The Japan's equities index added 0.92% to trade at 8,443.1 amid rising earnings optimism. Olympus was the largest gainer, skyrocketing 9.63% after news that the company plans to establish closer ties with Sony and Fujifilm Holdings. Fanuc soared 5.3% after reporting a 1.5% increase in net income in Q2. Hitachi Construction Machinery surged 6.2% as Q1 operating profit topped estimates. JFE Holding gained 2.3% after the steelmaker upgraded its full-year profit forecast. Meanwhile, Canon dragged Nikkei 225 down, dropping 7.77%. The camera maker reduced its 2012 operating profit outlook, citing softening demand from the EU and appreciating domestic currency.