The Nikkei average gained 0.74 percent Thursday, recovering from Wednesday's five-week closing low.

The Nikkei closed 115.56 points higher at 15,834.23.

Shares of Toyota, the world's No2 automaker, rose 1.8 percent to 6,340 yen (HK$420.34) after announcing a higher profit forecast Wednesday.

Mizuho Financial Group rose 1.1 percent to 899,000 yen.

Aiful, Japan's biggest consumer lender, lost 5.5 percent to 4,330 yen.

Shin-Etsu Chemical, the world's largest silicon wafer maker, hit a lifetime high for the third consecutive day. It peaked at 7,460 yen before finishing the day up 3.3 percent at 7,430 yen.

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Seoul flat on exporter fall Seoul shares ended flat as firms heavily reliant on raw materials rose after a surging won was seen reducing import costs, but exporters fell on worries a stronger currency would dent profits from abroad.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 0.03 percent to end at 1,366.79 points.

Korean Air, the country's biggest carrier, gained 3.88 percent to 34,800 won (HK$285.36), while state-run power provider Korea Electric Power added 1.07 percent to 37,650 won.

POSCO, the world's fifth-biggest maker of steel, rose 0.83 percent to 242,500 won.

Meritz Securities surged 6.13 percent to 7,100 won.

Tech stocks lift Taipei Taiwan stocks rose 0.18 percent, with technology heavyweights such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co leading the way following gains on Wall Street, but soft turnover showed worries remained over domestic political uncertainty.

The main TAIEX share index was up 12.12 points at 6,889.89.

TSMC, the world's biggest contract chip maker, rose 1 percent. Microchip designer Mediatek fell 1.7 percent after recent gains.

BenQ, Taiwan's top mobile phone maker, gave up early gains to end down 0.83 percent after a report that loss- making BenQ Mobile plans to outsource production of its handsets.

AU Optronics Corp was up 0.21 percent, and Compal Communications gained 1.35 percent.

Thai calm eases Lion City Singapore shares ended higher Thursday, as investors were relieved that the situation in Thailand appeared to be stabilizing following Wednesday's military coup.

The Straits Times Index ended up 6.8 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,538.3.

Singapore-listed Total Access Communications, Thailand's No2 mobile phone operator, rebounded 1.4 percent to end at S$4.24 (HK$20.79). Singapore Telecommunications rose 1.7 percent to S$2.42.

Sydney sees a drop Australian shares dropped despite the strength in offshore markets and strong earnings guidance from Coles Myer.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 closed down 0.1 percent at 4,995.6.

Coles Myer rose 2.9 percent to A$14.61 (HK$85.59) after giving earnings guidance well above market consensus for the next few years. Coles said its advisers had been approached by a second private equity consortium.

Mayne Pharma surged 34 percent to A$4.16 after accepting a A$4.10 per share takeover offer from US drug company Hospira.

Mumbai rises on fund buys Indian shares ended higher as funds bought into market heavyweights Oil and Natural Gas, Hindustan Lever and technology shares.

KRChoksey Shares and Securities managing director Deven Choksey said the market is on track to overcome its previous record high on the back of several positive cues.

The Mumbai Stock Exchange's 30-stock Sensitive Index rose 165.13 points, or 1.4 percent, to 12,274.27.

State-controlled Oil and Natural Gas Corp rose 2.1 percent to 1,196.85 rupees (HK$202.63) on news its joint venture with China's Sinopec had acquired a controlling interest in Colombia's Omimex de Colombia.

REUTERS, DOW JONES NEWSWIRES