Nikkei rallies 2% on positive annual outlook

The Nikkei ended 149 points (2%) higher at 8,977 on Friday following news of its annual outlook beating analysts' estimates. A weaker yen and receding worries about the global economy also led to a boost in exports.

Other Asian markets, such as the Hang Seng, the Shanghai Composite and the Taiwan Weighted remain closed on account of World Labour Day.