Nikkei snaps rising streak, but shippers climb

(Updates with close)

TOKYO, May 16 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average snapped a four-day winning streak on Friday to close down by 0.23 percent as investors moved to lock in profits and exporters such as Canon Inc (7751.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) were sold on a slightly stronger yen, though the benchmark still saw its strongest week in 3 months.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (9107.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and other shippers buoyed the market, extending gains on continuing demand for iron ore into China that helped push the Baltic Exchange's chief sea freight index .BADI to a record high.

The Nikkei .N225 shed 32.26 points to finish at 14,219.48 for its first losing day in five days of trade, but still managed to rise 4.1 percent in the week -- its strongest weekly performance since mid-February.

The broader Topix was up 0.2 percent at 1,395.87. (Reporting by Elaine Lies; Editing by Brent Kininmont)