Nuclear test talk sours Nikkei

The Nikkei has turned negative after early rises following reports of a seismic event in North Korea were linked to a a possible nuclear test.

The Nikkei has turned negative following reports of a seismic event in North Korea. (AAP)

Japan's Nikkei share average has turned negative in mid-morning trade, erasing earlier gains after sentiment was soured by news of an artificial earthquake in North Korea seen as a possible nuclear test.

The Nikkei fell 0.3 per cent to 16,917.22 on Friday morning, after rising to as high as 17,029.78 earlier.

The US Geological Survey reported a 5.3-magnitude seismic event in North Korea on Friday, near a nuclear test site in the northeastern part of the county.