Nikkei up 1.4 pct; Shin-Etsu Chem, chip makers gain

(Updates to midsession)

TOKYO, July 13 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 1.40 percent on Friday, led by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. (4063.T), which jumped after a brokerage lifted its target price, while chip makers gained following an earnings announcement by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (005930.KS) that indicated a brighter second half. [ID:nSEO93092]

A surge on Wall Street also buoyed a wide range of blue-chip issues including Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (7267.T).

The benchmark Nikkei average .N225 finished the morning up 251.01 points at 18,235.15.

The broader TOPIX index climbed 1.17 percent to 1,783.68.