Japan shares close lower on stronger yen

Japanese shares fell as much as 3% on Friday, touching a seven-month low, as the yen strengthened against the dollar ahead of much-anticipated job numbers from the US due later.

Japan's Nikkei share index eventually closed down 2.15% at 17,792.16.

The dollar was buying 119.10 yen in afternoon trade, its weakest point since late last month.

A stronger yen is not good for Japanese exporters as it makes their goods more expensive to buy overseas.

Among big exporters, shares in Toyota dropped 2.5% while Panasonic fell 4%.

Analysts said the yen has strengthened because investors were looking to put their money into safer assets.

Other Asian shares headed lower for much of Friday, despite stocks on Thursday getting a boost from the European Central Bank's (ECB) hints about extending its stimulus programme.

The ECB cut its growth and inflation forecasts on Thursday, paving the way for an expansion to its asset-buying plan.

South Korea's Kospi closed down 1.5% at 1,887.61, while in Australia the S&P/ASX 200 closed up 0.25% at 5,040.60.

In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng index closed down 0.45% at 20,840.61, while China's mainland markets were closed for a holiday to commemorate the end of World War Two.