Japan's Nikkei hits fresh eight-year high
|London | Wall Street | Asia|
Japanese shares hit a fresh eight-year high in thin trade due to the Lunar New Year holidays, which closed some of the region's major markets.
The dollar rose to 119.09 yen, after hitting a low of 118.235 overnight.
The Bank of Japan's decision to hold off from launching more easing measures had little impact on the markets.
Mainland Chinese markets were closed for the holidays and will reopen on 24 February.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index closed up 0.2% at 24,832.08 after a half-day trading session. The market will be closed until 23 February.
In Australia, shares headed up to close at their highest level since May 2008, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 rising 1% to 5,915.7.
Shares in Toll Holdings, which is Australia's largest freight and logistics firm, surged 47% after it agreed to a $5.1bn takeover bid by state-owned firm Japan Post.
The acquisition will help Japan Post, which plans to list its shares this year, to become a leading global logistics player.
South Korean markets are also closed and will reopen on Monday.