Japan's Nikkei Stock Average modestly advanced on Monday, reaching a record high since earthquake in March 2011. Nikkei 225 index soared 0.19% or 18.69 points and closed at 10,148.52. The gains were limited as several electricity providers declined on news Citigroup Inc. lowered its recommendation on the utility companies. Kansai Electric slipped 4.2% and Tokyo Electric fell 3.6%. Strengthening Yen curbed the gains for export shares. On the upside Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group rose 1.4% and Mizuho Financial Group advanced 2.1%.