The Nikkei average gained 0.4 percent on Friday after better than expected industrial production data provided a fresh hint that the Japanese economy may have been through its worst phase.

Japan's industrial output jumped 5.2 percent in April from the previous month, marking the second straight month of increase as companies continue to restock after a heavy run-down of inventories late last year.

The benchmark Nikkei <.N225> rose 28.27 points to 9,489.66, while the broader Topix <.TOPX> climbed 0.3 percent to 897.93.

(Reporting by Shinichi Saoshiro)

Nikkei 225 Japan Earth