TOKYO: Japan's Nikkei ended higher in choppy trade on Tuesday as cyclical stocks, inclding exporters, gained on the back of a weaker yen, while defensive firms underperformed.

The Nikkei share average rose 0.3 per cent to 21,204.28, after gaining 1.2 per cent on Monday.

On Monday, Japanese stocks recovered above the 21,000 level and hit a two-week high, with buyers encouraged by hopes for a US interest rate cut and relief over US President Donald Trump withdrawal of a tariff threat against Mexico.

Strategists said investors were awaiting more cues on US monetary policy from the Federal Reserve's June 18-19 policy meeting as well as developments in the US-China trade war ahead of the G20 summit later this month.

Trump said on Monday he was ready to impose another round of punitive tariffs on Chinese imports if he cannot make progress in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit.

"Japanese stocks need more catalysts to rise further, but the Nikkei's downside should be supported as it has recovered its 25-day moving average (of 21,072.19)," said Takuya Takahashi, a strategist at Daiwa Securities.

Financials were supported by higher US yields, with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group rising 1.5 per cent and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group adding 1.2 per cent.

Exporters were also up after the dollar advanced 0.2 per cent to 108.65 yen.

Tokyo Electron gained 2.4 per cent, TDK Corp rose 1.8 per cent and Yaskawa Electric Corp surged 3.4 per cent.

Renesas Electronics soared 4.4 per cent after the company said it established the 'Automotive Electronic Joint Laboratory' with SAIC Volkswagen Automobile Co.

Other cyclical stocks were also in demand, with sea transport and steel makers attracting buyers. Mitsui OSK Lines surged 1.5 per cent and Nippon Steel Corp rose 1.1 per cent.

MonotaRO, which provides factory materials through mail order, jumped 7.4 per cent after its May sales surged 22.6 per cent on the year.

Defensive stocks such as railroad shares and drugmakers underperformed. East Japan Railway dropped 0.8 per cent and Astellas Pharma slipped 1.2 per cent.

The broader Topix gained 0.5 per cent to 1,561.32.