Japanese stocks fell on Thursday, snapping a three-day winning streak as most investors took profits from the recent gains after they quickly priced in the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain its massive monetary stimulus and its upbeat view on the economy.
The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo eased 52.13 points, or 0.3%, to 15,676.18, retreating from a seven-month high of 15,829.38 hit on Wednesday.
Meantime, Hong Kong's benchmark index on Thursday slipped from its highest since May 2008, while the index of major China companies listed in the offshore market advanced to a near nine-month high.
The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong dropped 20.03 points, or 0.1%, to 25,297.92
Insurer AIA Group was the biggest drag on the Hang Seng, sinking 1.3%.
But Chinese insurers extended gains from Wednesday, helped by news that the government is making progress with an employee stock ownership plan in financial firms. China Life Insurance jumped 2.8%.
Chinese mobile carriers were buoyed by the coming launch of Apple Inc's iPhone 6. China Telecom soared 3.8% and China Mobile edged up 0.3%.
The recently beaten-down Macau gaming sector has started to attract buyers. Sands China advanced 0.5%, its first gain in 12 sessions.
In other markets;
The Shanghai CSI 300 index gained 17.39 points, or 0.7%, to 2,426.22
In Singapore, the Straits Times STI Index backtracked 2.43 points, or 0.1%, to 3,346.34
In Taiwan, the Taiex Index fell 21.46 points, or 0.2%, to 9,428.89
In Korea, the Kospi index inched forward 5.06 points, or 0.3%, to 2,056.26
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 moved up 4.15 points, or 0.1%, to 5,228.55
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 subtracted 24.83 points, or 0.4%, to 5,631.26
