Japan stocks up as exporters gain on Wall St, yen

(Updates to opening)

TOKYO, Dec 25 (Reuters) - A wide rage of Japanese stocks rose on Tuesday, with exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) particularly in favour on a soft yen and after news from Merrill Lynch MER.N helped spark a rally on Wall Street.

As of 0001 GMT, the benchmark Nikkei average .N225 was up 1.2 percent or 184.33 points at 15,441.33.

The broader TOPIX index added 1.2 percent or 17.06 points to 1,486.26.

Japanese financial markets were closed on Monday for a public holiday to mark the birthday of Emperor Akihito. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)