Japan posted a merchandise trade surplus of 721.408 billion yen in June, according to rttnews - up 66.5 percent on year.

That exceeded expectations for a surplus of 531.2 billion yen following the 578.3 billion yen deficit in May.

Exports advanced an annual 6.7 percent to 7.052 trillion yen - shy of forecasts for 7.0 percent and down from 8.1 percent in the previous month.

Exports to Asia were up 8.6 percent on year to 3.883 trillion yen, while exports to China alone advanced an annual 11.1 percent to 1.385 trillion yen.

Exports to the United States dipped 0.9 percent on year to 1.291 trillion yen, while exports to the European Union climbed 9.3 percent to 793.684 billion yen.

Imports were up just 2.5 percent on year to 6.330 trillion yen versus expectations for a gain of 5.3 percent and down sharply from 14.0 percent a month earlier.