Japan stocks mixed, banks sold on rate hike concerns

(Updates to midsession)

TOKYO, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Japanese stocks were mixed on Friday, with the Nikkei average up and the TOPIX flat as banks such as Mizuho Financial Group (8411.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) fell after a survey of corporate sentiment was worse than expected, reducing chances of a central bank rate hike. Real estate firms also lost ground, mainly on recent poor condominium sales, while electrical equipment companies such as Advantest Corp (6857.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) powered higher after days of selling.

The benchmark Nikkei .225 finished the morning up 0.6 percent at 15,632.72 after a volatile morning that saw it at one point up by more than one percent. The broader TOPIX index lost 0.08 percent to 1,514.83. (Reporting by Elaine Lies)