Japanese stocks edged up to three-month closing highs in choppy trade on Thursday after gains by banks offset weak mining shares, while many investors waited for US jobs data that could provide clues on when there will be an interest rate hike.

    The Nikkei share average, which moved in and out of positive territory, gained 0.2% to 16,926.84, the highest closing level since June 1. The broader Topix gained 0.6% to 1,337.38 and the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 advanced 0.6% to 12,033.47