Nikkei up 0.4 pct as Honda, exporters gain

(Updates to opening)

TOKYO, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 0.4 percent on Wednesday with exporters such as Honda Motor Co Ltd (7267.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) higher on a softening yen and after U.S. shares finished at record highs on interest rate cut hopes.

As of 0001 GMT, the benchmark Nikkei .N225 was up 71.24 points at 17,231.14. The broader TOPIX index climbed 0.6 percent or 10.50 points to 1,670.56.