The Japanese Nikkei 225 index had a rise of 0.2 percent in the initial trading while the broader Topix fell back 0.4 percent.
The South Korean Kospi, which has been at record levels in recent days, fell by 1.0 percent.
The Hong Kong-based Hang Seng had risen by 1.3 percent by lunchtime. Also, Shanghai's composite index and Shenzhen started the day on the plus side, 0.2 percent and 0.9 percent respectively.
