Japan stocks falls after BOJ decision; rest of Asia softer

The Bank of Japan made no changes to monetary policy on Friday as it still sees inflation gradually reaching the 2% target, albeit at a slower pace that previously forecast. Qualitative and Quantitative Easing (QQE) - the bank's easing program initiated in April 2013 - was left at ¥80 trillion per year.

Japan's Nikkei share average falls 0.6 pct after BOJ keeps monetary policy steady.

Tokyo's broader Topix gauge down 0.03% at 1,546.69 points.

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index shed 0.39% to trade at 22,731.42 points not long after the opening bell, and mainland China's benchmark Shanghai Composite eased 0.22% to 3,379.89 points at the same time.

Korea's benchmark Kospi index slipped 0.20% to 2,030.06 points this morning in Seoul.

The benchmark Australian S&P/ASX 200 index traded 0.85% lower at 5,221.90 points in Sydney, with Australia's heavily-weighted banks dragging the index lower.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.51% to 5,972.32 points this afternoon in Wellington.