Japan's Nikkei stock average rose 0.7 percent to a three-week closing high as Sony Corp and other exporters gained in the wake of a weaker yen, with buying of futures providing an additional boost.
Kyocera Corp and other high-tech exporters advanced, riding a wave of confidence about US consumer spending after bellwethers such as Apple Inc posted solid quarterly earnings.
The benchmark Nikkei rose 69.78 points to 9,792.94, its highest close since July 3, but had pared earlier gains. The broader Topix gained 0.2 percent to 908.69.
Hong Kong shares extended gains to jump 2.6 percent to a 10-month high as investors scooped up banks and property stocks after a two-day lull in the market.
By 0405 GMT the benchmark Hang Seng Index was up 488.65 points at 19,734.92, slightly off a 10-month high of 19,744.23.
The China Enterprises Index, which represents top locally listed mainland Chinese stocks, was 2.8 percent higher at 11,804.14.
European stocks were down 0.1 percent around midday, halting an eight-session winning run, as falling food and utilities shares offset a rally in banks sparked by Credit Suisse's upbeat results.
Energy shares were also on the downside, losing ground along with crude oil prices CLc1. Total was down 1 percent, while Royal Dutch Shell fell 0.8 percent.
At 1100 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was down 0.1 percent at 889.32 points. The index has surged 9.2 percent since July 10, and is now up 7 percent on the year.
