Japan's Nikkei rises 0.6 pct as yen eases slightly

(Updates to midmorning)

TOKYO, March 14 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average rose 0.6 percent on Friday, led by exporters such as Canon Inc (7751.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) after overnight gains on Wall Street and helped by some easing of the yen's sharp climb against the dollar a day earlier.

Oil and gas field developer Inpex Holdings Inc (1605.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) extended its gains after U.S. crude oil futures on Thursday hit a record intraday peak for the seventh straight session.

Still, the Tokyo market's gains are seen limited as investors remain cautious after the previous day's drop to a 2-½ year closing low.

"A wait-and-see mood is prevailing in such a rough market, where you are very likely to get burnt if you put your hands in," said Harushige Kobayashi, head of the research department at Maruwa Securities.

As of 0106 GMT, the benchmark Nikkei .N225 was at 12,564.66. The broader TOPIX index rose 0.3 percent to 1,219.48.

Digital camera maker Canon rose 2.3 percent to 4,550 yen and Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) gained 3.3 percent to 4,440 yen.

The dollar has regained some ground against the yen after plunging below 100 yen for the first time in more than a decade. [FRX/] It was quoted around 100.76 yen <JPY=> in late morning trade in Tokyo.

The yen's sharp rise pushed up shares of some importers including paper mills.