Nikkei up 1.2 pct, exporters higher on softer yen

(Updates to midday)

TOKYO, June 4 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 1.2 percent on Wednesday, led by exporters such as Sony Corp (6758.T) that gained on a softer yen JPY=.

Fast Retailing Co Ltd (9983.T) shot up after a report that the operator of the Uniqlo casual clothing chain is likely to beat its own profit forecast. [ID:nT286842]

Honda Motor Co Ltd (7267.T) jumped after posting double-digit growth in U.S. sales in May, bucking a declining trend. [ID:nN03381976]

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 ended the morning up 175.23 points at 14,384.40. The broader Topix index gained 1.3 percent to 1,425.82.