Japanese stocks open higher, buoyed by exporters

TOKYO, Nov 19 (Reuters) Japanese stocks opened Monday trade higher, with the Nikkei creeping up 0.15 percent on a recovery in New York shares and a slightly weaker yen that led to buying of exporter shares such as Hitachi Large banks such as Mizuho Financial Group, which was up 0.8 percent, may also be one focus of trade after a report in the Nikkei business daily saying Japan's banking regulator is exploring ways to allow banks to invest in nonfinancial firms operated through subsidiaries.

As of 0006 GMT the benchmark Nikkei was up 0.5 percent at 15,232.47, a rise of 77.86 points. The broader TOPIX rose by 0.6 percent to 1,479.71.

REUTERS DKS BST0554