Asian markets were mostly up on Thursday in quiet trade after an anaemic close on Wall Street, while the dollar's recent rally seemed to have levelled out just short of the 100 yen mark. With few catalysts driving action, eyes are moving to Friday's policy decision by the Bank of Japan to see if it adds to the huge stimulus measures unveiled earlier this month as part of a drive to kickstart the economy. Tokyo added 0.60 percent, or 82.62 points, to 13,926.08, while Seoul gained 0.84 percent, or 16.29 points, to 1,951.60

Asian markets were mostly up on Thursday in quiet trade after an anaemic close on Wall Street, while the dollar's recent rally seemed to have levelled out just short of the 100 yen mark. With few catalysts driving action, eyes are moving to Friday's policy decision by the Bank of Japan to see if it adds to the huge stimulus measures unveiled earlier this month as part of a drive to kickstart the economy.

Asian markets rose on bargain-buying Wednesday and following a rally on Wall Street, with Tokyo enjoying a healthy bump as the dollar tries to break through the 100 yen barrier. Investors took their lead from New York, which jumped on the back of upbeat earnings results from some corporate giants, while they seemed to brush off more weak manufacturing figures from China and Europe. Tokyo rose 2.32 percent, or 313.81 points, to 13,843.46, while Seoul was up 0.87 percent, or 16.68 points, at 1,935.31 and Sydney was 1.72 percent higher, adding 86.2 points to 5,102.4.

Tokyo shares finished up 2.32 percent on Wednesday, closing in on their highest in five years after a solid performance on Wall Street and optimism over exporters' earnings thanks to the weaker yen. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index ended up 313.81 points at 13,843.46, topping 13,800 for the first time since June 2008. The Topix index of all first-section issues gained 1.80 percent, or 20.57 points, to 1,164.35.