When it comes to forex trading, timing is everything. The Tokyo session is one of the key trading sessions that shape global market movements. But is it the right session for you? Let’s dive deep into what makes the Asian forex trading session unique, how it impacts different currency pairs, and when you should be paying attention.
What is the Tokyo Session in Forex?
The Tokyo session, also known as the Asian session, marks the beginning of the global forex trading day. It opens at 12:00 AM GMT and closes at 9:00 AM GMT, setting the tone for price action across major currency pairs.
Since Japan is the third-largest forex trading center in the world, the Tokyo session plays a crucial role in daily market liquidity. The Japanese yen (JPY) is the third most-traded currency, involved in 16.8% of all forex transactions.
Many traders assume that the Tokyo session dominates the Asian market, but Singapore and Hong Kong have emerged as major players, contributing more forex trading volume than Tokyo itself.
Key Market Characteristics of the Tokyo Session
💹 Lower Liquidity & Tighter Ranges
The Tokyo session is less volatile compared to the London and New York sessions. This means fewer price spikes, making it ideal for traders who prefer range-bound trading strategies.
💰 Best Currencies to Trade
If you’re trading the Tokyo session, the most active currency pairs include:
✅ JPY pairs (USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY) – High trading volume due to Japan’s global trade dominance.
✅ AUD/USD & NZD/USD – Since Australia and New Zealand share time zones with Japan, their currencies are also highly active.
✅ USD/CNY & Other Emerging Markets – China’s economic data releases can create volatility in Asian currencies.
📊 Market Movements & Price Trends
During the Tokyo session, you’ll often see:
🔹 Consolidation after big New York session moves – If the U.S. market had a major price surge, the Tokyo session often stabilizes before new momentum builds.
🔹 Breakouts before the London session opens – As the European markets wake up, Tokyo’s price action can set up breakout trades.
🔹 Slow momentum after key economic releases – If major data from Japan, Australia, or China is released, you might see quick movements followed by a return to slow price action.
Tokyo Session Pip Range for Major Currency Pairs
🔹 The table below shows the average pip movements per hour for key forex pairs during the Tokyo session:
| Currency Pair | Tokyo Session Average Pip Range |
|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 7 pips |
| GBP/USD | 9 pips |
| USD/JPY | 16 pips |
| AUD/USD | 9 pips |
| NZD/USD | 9 pips |
| USD/CAD | 8 pips |
| USD/CHF | 40 pips |
| EUR/JPY | 17 pips |
| GBP/JPY | 20 pips |
| AUD/JPY | 14 pips |
💡 Note: Pip ranges vary based on market conditions, liquidity, and economic news releases.
Is the Tokyo Session Right for You?
Before jumping into the Tokyo session, consider these key factors:
✅ Trade the Tokyo Session if:
✔️ You prefer low volatility and range-bound trading.
✔️ You want to trade JPY, AUD, and NZD pairs with higher liquidity.
✔️ You’re available during Asian trading hours (if you’re in Pakistan, that’s between 5:00 AM and 2:00 PM local time).
❌ Avoid the Tokyo Session if:
❌ You prefer high volatility and strong market movements.
❌ You mainly trade GBP/USD, EUR/USD, or other non-Asian pairs.
❌ You want to trade during the most liquid forex session (London session).
Final Thoughts: Should You Trade the Tokyo Session?
The Tokyo forex trading session is a calm but strategic time to trade. It offers lower volatility, predictable trends, and excellent opportunities for traders who specialize in JPY, AUD, and NZD currency pairs.
However, if you thrive on high volatility, you may want to wait until the London or New York sessions for bigger market moves.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trader, understanding session dynamics can help you time your trades better and improve your overall strategy.
For more insights on forex trading strategies, live market updates, and daily forex analysis, visit www.dailyforex.pk 🚀📊