Japan's stock market advanced in early trading as concerns over a potential Federal Reserve interest rate hike eased.

Electronics and technology shares led the gains, with Panasonic Holdings rising 4.5% and SoftBank Group surging 6%.

The dollar was trading at 159.46 yen, compared to 159.39 yen at the close of the Tokyo stock market on Thursday.

Investors are closely monitoring any developments in the Iran conflict, as well as crude oil prices.

The Nikkei index rose 1.8% to 69,523.56 points.