Nikkei up 2.1 pct as Fast Retailing gains on outlook

(Updates to midday)

TOKYO, April 11 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 2.1 percent on Friday, boosted by shares of retailers such as Fast Retailing Co (9983.T) on solid earnings expectations, while Astellas Pharma Inc (4503.T) climbed after U.S. authorities approved its heart-imaging agent.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 gained 272.98 points to end the morning session at 13,218.28, on course to end a three-day losing streak. The average fell 1.3 percent on Thursday to log its lowest close in more than a week.

The broader TOPIX index added 1.5 percent or 18.99 points to 1,267.06. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)