Elsewhere in the region, Singapore's Strait Times Index fell 0.3% and India's Sensex was down 1.5%.

WSJ: Nikkei Rebounds on BOJ Outcome

In other international news, Beijing's Global Times accuses Japan of "driving a wedge" between the two sides of the Taiwan strait after Taiwan signed a new fishing rights agreement with Japan.

BBC: China media: Debate on North Korea

The teas, held at various times and locations throughout the festival, offer attendees the opportunity to personally chat with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in an intimate environment.

BBC: A festival of firsts in Sydney