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: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) on solid earnings expectations, while Astellas Pharma Inc (4503.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) 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)