Fears over escalating energy expenses have resurfaced, combined with a downturn on Wall Street overnight, likely pushing Japanese equities lower. Futures contracts for Japan's Nikkei index on the Singapore Exchange fell by 1.1%, reaching 65,505 points.

Market participants are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and crude oil prices after Brent crude surpassed the $100 per barrel mark for the first time in two months. The Nikkei index had gained 0.5% on Thursday, closing at 66,422.60 points.