Wall Street provided a positive lead after the United States followed China and Europe in posting upbeat manufacturing data that raised hopes for the global economic outlook.

Tokyo ended 0.54 percent higher, adding 75.43 points to 14,053.87, following gains of more than four percent in the previous two sessions. Shanghai was up 0.10 percent in afternoon trading.

Sydney slipped 0.67 percent, or 35.0 points, to 5,161.6, while Seoul closed flat, edging down 0.71 points to 1,933.03.

September trading had got off to a strong start Monday and Tuesday after figures showed activity in China's factories at their highest level in 16 months, while eurozone manufacturing was at its highest for more than two years.

On Tuesday there were similar results from the United States, adding to growing hopes of a pick-up in developed nations, which investors hope can kickstart a global trend.