Tokyo, June 25 (Jiji Press)--Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average soared to end at a new record high Thursday, powered by buying of artificial intelligence- and semiconductor-related stocks. The index of 225 major issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's top-tier Prime section closed at 72,366.34, up 3,191.37 points, or 4.61 pct, from Wednesday. AI and chip issues attracted purchases on the TSE after U.S. memory chip maker Micron Technology jumped in U.S. off-hours trading following its release of stronger-than-expected earnings forecasts for June-August on Wednesday. Falling crude oil prices also helped the Nikkei index rise. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]