Nikkei 225 prolonged its rally on Wednesday on building expectations that central banks of the Eurozone and US will launch additional easing measures to boost economy. Fading impact of weak corporate earnings in Q2 also provided support for Japanese equities. Nikkei 225 surged by 0.88% to trade at 8,881.16. On the upside were basic materials and industrials. Nippon Kayaku, Mitsui Mining & Smelting and Kobe Steel moved up by 2.87%, 7.79% and 4.35%, respectively. Among other gainers, Nikon added 2.62% ahead of its earnings report that was due after the Nikkei close. Meanwhile, Asahi Glass and FANUC rose by 2.24% and 1.31%. On the downside were technology and telecommunication shares. Pioneer shed 7.01% after the company downgraded its income outlook, citing weakening demand and strong Yen.