The Toyota logo is shown on the front of a Prius Hybrid vehicle during the first press preview day for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit
The Toyota logo is shown on the front of a Prius Hybrid vehicle during the first press preview day for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit REUTERS

(REUTERS) -- Japan's Nikkei average scaled a new three-month high on Wednesday, boosted by gains in exporters such as Toyota Motor and Canon as the yen weakened following data showing Tokyo posted its first annual trade deficit since 1980.

Battered electronics firms such as Sony Corp and Panasonic Corp also regained ground ahead of their earnings reports next week.

Toyota climbed 3 percent and topped the main board as the heaviest-traded stock by turnover, also boosted after the carmaker raised its 2012 domestic sales forecast by 6.5 percent from its previous estimate and 36 percent higher than 2011.

Peers Nissan Motor Co, Honda Motor Co and Suzuki Motor Corp gained between 2.5 and 4 percent,while the Topix transport equipment subindex, home to Japan's automakers and parts manufacturers, rose 3.1 percent.

The transport equipment sector is up nearly 12 percent so far this month after shedding more than 21 percent in 2011.

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