Sun rises on Japanese economy.

The Japanese economy is slowly improving, the government said Monday, pointing to evidence that exports and factory output are beginning to show signs of life. The upgraded economic assessment is the first upbeat report in two months. Additionally, Reuters Tankan survey showed a sixth consecutive month of improving manufacturer sentiment in Japan, as exporters cheered the weak yen. The index printed at 7, the first positive read in more than a year. The country's Economics Minister said the stage is set for a "V-shaped recovery." The rosy outlook was enough to boost the Nikkei 1.47% on the session to a fresh five-and-a-half year high.