Japan stocks drop in catch-up session while rest of Asia climbs

Japanese shares fell sharply as the markets opened on Thursday for the first time since Friday, however, traders probably hoped they could have stayed on holiday, as Japan's markets caught up with a global sell off which began Monday.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index plunged 1.69% to 17,765.61 points within the first hour of trade, while Tokyo's broader Topix gauge sank 1.34% to 1,442.39 points.

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index advanced 0.19% to 21,342.76 points at the opening bell, and mainland China's benchmark Shanghai Composite grew 0.78% to 3,140.22 points at the same time.

Korea's benchmark Kospi index rose 0.40% to 1,952.34 points this morning in Seoul.

The benchmark Australian S&P/ASX 200 index jumped 0.93% to 5,044.50 points in Sydney, with the heavily-weighted 'big four' banks supporting the index, as well as resource stocks.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.63% to 5,690.03 points this afternoon in Wellington.