Asian shares were mixed on Wednesday as Japan reversed course to end higher on a rise in chip stocks, while Seoul fell for a third session on concerns over the impact of a stronger won and ahead of earnings results. The dollar edged up on the yen and gold steadied. Oil climbed as concern over Iran's nuclear programme put a brake on recent declines prompted by warmer-than-normal temperatures in the United States. The Nikkei average ended 1.48 percent higher at 16,363.59 after property firms snapped a four-day losing streak while chip stocks rose on news of chip-equipment maker Tokyo Electron Ltd.'s stronger-than-expected quarterly orders. The broader TOPIX index was up 0.81 percent at 1,672.44. Bargain-hunting lifted communications and Internet conglomerate Softbank Corp. 5.7 percent, and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. rose 4.7 percent on a plan to build the world's largest plasma display factory. But banks and other companies that make most of their profits domestically remained vulnerable to selling after a year-end rally. The Nikkei hit its highest close in more than five years at 16,428.21 on Friday, but has eased on profit taking. "A correction in overheated domestic plays, such as banks and real estate firms, is in progress," said Masatoshi Sato, senior strategist at Mizuho Investors Securities. Gold was volatile, pressured by a rebound in the U.S. dollar and weakness in Japanese futures. Spot gold was quoted at $544.00/544.75 an ounce, little changed from $543.80/544.60 in late U.S. trading. propelled by fund investment and the possibility of supply disruption due to a strike in Chile