Asian stock markets closed mostly higher Friday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained half a percent , to close at 9,868.

Hong Kong markets were closed for a holiday .

Elsewhere, share prices were higher in Taipei, Seoul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Wellington and Manila. Markets closed lower in Shanghai, Sydney and Mumbai. Bangkok markets were closed for a bank holiday.

The U.S. dollar was quoted at 80.74 yen, up two-tenths of a yen from late Thursday.

Gold was trading at $1,489.48 an ounce.