Advances in the Japanese stock market glided Asian shares higher, as the yen lost some strength following a 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit the country.

The yen stood at ¥109.06 to the US dollar, alleviating woes among Japanese exporters and making their offerings more appealing.

The Nikkei Stock Average rose 3.5%, its highest surge since February 2. Previously, the benchmark erased 3.4%.

Other equity markets in Asia escalated as well. Korean shares climbed as Bank of Korea left interest rate unchanged at 1.5%.

The material has been provided by InstaForex Company – www.instaforex.com