Japanese markets closed higher Thursday, while the U.S. dollar is trading lower against the Japanese yen.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained one percent to finish at 8,823.

The U.S. dollar was selling at 77.09 yen, a loss of less than one-fourth of a yen from Wednesday.

The Taipei market rose more than one-half of one percent to end the trading session at 7,428.