Japan's Nikkei down 0.4 pct as exporters fall

(Updates to mid-session)

TOKYO, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Japanese stocks fell for a third straight day on Wednesday, with exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) hit by a firmer yen, while banks lost ground after their U.S. peers were punished due to growing unease about fallout from the credit squeeze.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 ended the morning session down 0.4 percent or 54.26 points at 15,425.93.

The broader TOPIX index shed 0.5 percent or 7.45 points to 1,508.05. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)