Asian stock markets were higher in trading Wednesday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained just over one-tenth of a percent to close at 8,772.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up nearly half of a percent to end at 19051.

Elsewhere markets were higher in Shanghai, Taipei and Wellington, but lower in Manila.

The dollar was selling at 75.92 yen, down nearly a fifth of a yen from late Tuesday.