Japan's Nikkei up 0.4 pct, GS Yuasa jumps

(Updates to midday)

TOKYO, June 18 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average rose 0.4 percent on Wednesday as investors flocked to topical stocks such as car battery maker GS Yuasa Corp (6674.T) in trade that lacked major pillars for the gains.

Market participants said buying into stocks futures helped buoy the overall market.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 added 57.40 points to end the morning session at 14,405.77.

The broader Topix gained 0.1 percent to 1,403.99. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)