Nikkei opens up 0.5 pct, Sony awash with buy orders

(Updates to opening)

TOKYO, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average opened 0.5 percent higher on Friday, led by Fast Retailing Co Ltd (9983.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

Shares of Sony Corp were untraded due to a glut of buy orders after the consumer electronics maker posted strong earnings on Thursday.

As of 0001 GMT, the benchmark Nikkei .N225 was up 74.44 points at 16,358.61. The broader TOPIX index was up 0.5 percent at 1,555.62.