Tokyo - Saba:
Japan's Nikkei index fell from its highest level in more than two weeks to record a decline on Friday as investors weighed the outcome of the upcoming upper house election in Japan.
It fell 0.31 percent to 39,778.85 by midday.
It had earlier risen to 40,087.59, its highest level since July 1, supported by a strong performance in U.S. stocks, but quickly retreated as investors began to take profits.
The index is expected to post a 0.5 percent weekly gain, ending a two-week losing streak.
The broader Topix index fell 0.13 percent to 2,836.1.