Nikkei up 1.4 pct, softer yen lifts exporters

(Updates to midmorning)

TOKYO, April 25 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average rose 1.4 percent on Friday, with exporters such as Fanuc Ltd (6954.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Canon Inc (7751.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) gaining sharply on a weaker yen <JPY=> against the dollar.

Oil and gas field developer Inpex Holdings Inc (1605.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) fell 4 percent to 1.19 million yen after U.S. crude oil futures CLc1 ended more than $2 lower on Thursday, pressured by the dollar's rebound from record lows this week against the euro.

Many investors remained on the sidelines ahead of a bevy of earnings reports due later in the day from heavyweights including automaker Honda Motor Co Ltd (7267.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and electronics group Toshiba Corp (6502.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

Industrial robot maker Fanuc's gains came after the firm forecast a profit decline for this business year due to a stronger yen, assuming the dollar to average 97 yen.

"The company has set a rather bold dollar/yen rate assumption. So there are expectations for positives when the yen gets weaker," said Norio Shimura, deputy head of the equity department at Chuo Securities.

Digital camera maker Canon, which assumes the dollar to average 100 yen, rose 3.5 percent to 5,350 yen.

The firm posted an 18 percent fall in quarterly operating profit on Thursday, hit by a firmer yen, and the Japanese camera and office equipment maker lowered its full-year outlook closer to market expectations. [ID:nT316715]

As of 0058 GMT, the benchmark Nikkei average .N225 gained 200.26 points to 13,741.13. The broader TOPIX index rose 1.5 percent to 1,327.17.