Nikkei falls ahead of BOJ statement

Asian markets are trading on mix note while traders are eagerly waiting for the BOJ statement and interest rate decision. 

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index shed 0.62% to trade at 16,935.64 points, while Tokyo's broader Topix gauge fell 0.24% to 1,388.74 points. The BoJ is set to deliver its first of eight Monetary Policy Statements for the year, which is widely anticipated to see the bank keep policy settings unchanged at extremely loose levels.

China's benchmark Shanghai Composite grew 0.41% to 2,662.78 points at the same time.

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index advanced 0.09% to 19,212.52 points shortly after the open.

Korea's benchmark Kospi index fell 0.68% to 1,893.91 points in Seoul.

The benchmark Australian S&P/ASX 200 index was trading 0.51% lower at 4,945.70 points in Sydney, while New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index trading slightly lower at 6,147.65 points in Wellington.