Asian stock markets were higher in early trading Friday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained one percent , to close at 8,605.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 3.11 percent , to end at 17,707.

Elsewhere, share prices were higher in Taipei, Sydney, Manila and Wellington. Shanghai markets were closed for a holiday .

The dollar was selling at 76.65 yen in currency trading, down slightly from late Thursday.