Asian shares mostly higher; Tokyo slips as virus cases surge

BANGKOK — Shares were mostly higher in Asia on Thursday though Tokyo’s benchmark declined as reports of rising coronavirus cases raised alarm over another setback in the recovery from the pandemic.

Tokyo reported 545 new cases and Osaka’s government declared a medical emergency as the latest surge in infections outpaced minimal progress in inoculating people against COVID-19.

The Nikkei 225 index slipped 0.1% to 29,708.98, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong jumped 1.2% to 29,014.57. In Seoul, the Kospi edged 0.2% higher to 3,143.26. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 1% to 6,998.80. The Shanghai Composite index added 0.1% to 3,481.70.

U.S. futures…