Japan Stocks Rise as Automakers Rise, Oil Explorers Drop

Japan’s Topix Index fell, capping the worst three-day start to the year since 2008. Energy producers slumped as a plunge in oil prices continued, while carmakers rebounded.

Crude explorers Japan Drilling Co. and JX Holdings Inc. each sank at least 2.3 percent. Ryohin Keikaku Co., operator of the Muji brand, tumbled 9 percent after earnings missed estimates. Toyota Motor Corp. rose 1.5 percent, the biggest boost to the Topix, after the auto manufacturer dropped 2.8 percent yesterday. Takata Corp. jumped 7 percent after lender Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. said it was ready to support the crisis-ridden auto air-bag maker if needed. Sony Corp. climbed 5.3 percent after announcing its movie “The Interview” generated record online sales.