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Asian markets were in positive territory following the first round of the French presidential election which sparked a global relief rally. Markets also focused on developments on the Korean Peninsula, with the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier-led battle group on its way to the Sea of Japan.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index climbed 1.08 percent at 19,073.33. South Korea's Kospi jumped 1.06 percent at 2,196.85, notching a two-year peak.
Mainland Chinese markets were also in positive territory after recording their worst session in the year yesterday. The Shanghai Composite bounced 0.19 percent at 3,135.4032 and the Shenzhen Composite gained 0.506 percent at 1,882.858. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was up 1.19 percent.
Markets in Australia and New Zealand were closed for ANZAC day.
Among shares active in corporate news, HSBC was formally mandated to advise Saudi Arabian oil firm Aramco regarding its initial public offering. Shares of HSBC rose 1.27 percent.
In currency news, the U.S. dollar firmed against the loonie, higher by 0.43 percent to 1.3558 after U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Canadian softwood lumber imports will be hit by new anti-subsidy tariffs.
