The U.S. monthly jobs report is due for release on Friday, and investors will be keen to study this as they look for fresh indications on when the Federal Reserve might start to cut interest rates.

Japan faces a shortage of almost one million foreign workers in 2040 if the government wants to achieve its economic growth goals as the population dwindles, an estimate from a state-backed think tank showed on Thursday.

Japanese household spending unexpectedly fell in May as higher prices continued to squeeze consumers' purchasing power, data showed on Friday, complicating the central bank's decision on how soon to raise interest rates.

Asian share markets scaled new highs on Friday as investors sized up U.S. rate cuts for September and the mood was upbeat, while the euro hit a three-week peak ahead of French elections.

Oil prices were little changed in Asian trade on Friday but were on track for a fourth straight week of gains and holding near their highest levels since late April on hopes of strong summer fuel demand and some supply concerns.

The U.S. dollar was hovering near three-week lows on Friday ahead of payrolls data that will likely influence the outlook for rates, while the pound was firm as the Labour party looked set to win a massive majority in the UK general election.