Japan stocks open higher, Sony gains

TOKYO, Apr 13 (Reuters) The Nikkei average rose 0.49 percent on Thursday as gains in U.S. stocks eased concerns about earnings outlooks at exporters and as Sony Corp. rose after a newspaper report that it may beat its operating profit target for the year ended in March.

The Nikkei was up 83.25 points at 17,245.80 as of 0002 GMT. It fell 400 points in the previous three sessions. The TOPIX index was up 0.36 percent at 1,749.16.

REUTERS DH BD0638