Nikkei advances as KDDI, Honda gain ground

TOKYO, Aug 4 (Reuters) The Nikkei average rose 0.21 percent on Friday as investors bought shares of KDDI Corp., Honda Motor Co.

Ltd. and other firms seen as solid earners.

The Nikkei was up 45.14 points at 15,515.51 as of 0005 GMT.

The broader TOPIX index was up 0.26 percent at 1,573.70.

Investors will be awaiting quarterly earnings results from several major Japanese companies later in the day. Toyota Motor Corp. and top shipper Nippon Yusen are among the firms due to report.

REUTERS VJ RK0726