Btc-e is closing on 1300$ mark as we speak
we can't pinpoint the exact reason for this crazy growth,but Japan could be one of the major factors,yes
Japan coming into the picture might contribute but I do believed that its too early to say that they are the one causing the price of bitcoin reaching new heights for the last week or so. It's not even a month since Japan legalized bitcoin so its early to say that they have much impact to the price lately. What I'm speculating is that is has to do with the Bitfinex issue. Since investors cannot withdraw their USD in Bitfinex, they are now converting it to bitcoin instead, that why we are seeing a jump in price specially in Bitfinex which stands at $1440.5 currently, that is 7% - 10 % higher than other exchanges.