"In addition to the fact that investors aren't still (entirely) sure about the outlook for the global economy, they are also closely watching whether there would be any (comments) from the United States on Japan's currency intervention," said Hiroaki Kuramochi, chief equity marketing officer at Tokai Tokyo Securities in Tokyo.
The Nikkei share average was up 0.7 percent on the day and has gained 3.7 percent this week after yen selling (intervention) brightened the prospects of exporters.
The MSCI index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan (edged) up 0.3 percent, led mainly by the materials sector as (investors) scooped up cheaper stocks after a selloff on Thursday.