-- Japanese shares slightly rose at the start of Friday's session, as investors remain cautiously optimistic on the U.S.-Iran negotiations after an extended ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
The Nikkei 225 rose 267.2 points or 0.5% to open at 59,407.44
President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, yet investors stayed wary as market direction depends on whether tensions with Iran intensify or move toward diplomatic solutions.
The West Texas Intermediate climbed to about $97 a barrel, while Brent Crude closed at nearly $105 on Thursday.
At home, Japan's core inflation accelerated to 1.8% in March from 1.6% the previous month, driven by higher energy costs-a trend that could affect the Bank of Japan's decision to leave its benchmark rate unchanged coming Tuesday.