Japan stocks gain led by autos on steadier yen

(Updates to midsession)

TOKYO, March 24 (Reuters) - Japanese stocks extended a three-day winning streak on Monday as gains in automakers such as Toyota Motor Co (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) helped offset declines in recent gainers such as insurers on a stabilising yen.

Shares of Nissan Motor Co Ltd (7201.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) jumped nearly 4 percent after Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said on Friday Japan's third-largest automaker expects to beat its global sales target for the year ending March 31. [ID:nKLR7597]

The benchmark Nikkei average .N225 ended the morning session up 0.4 percent or 46.33 points at 12,528.90. The Nikkei ended up 1.8 percent on Friday, gaining 2 percent for the holiday-shortened week.

The broader TOPIX index added 0.7 percent or 8.42 points by midday to 1,228.46. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)