Japan's Nikkei 225 continued its upward trajectory on Monday. By lunchtime, the index had risen by 2.5 percent.
The broader Topix also got off to a good start to the week, up 1.2 percent.
Among Monday's biggest gainers was electronics company TDK, up 8 percent. Watchmaker Seiko also had a good day, rising 6.8 percent.
The Hong Kong-based Hang Seng performed worse, falling 0.3 percent.
The Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in China were closed for a public holiday on Monday. South Korea's stock exchange was also closed.
