TOKYO, April 2 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average

rose on Thursday, lifted by hopes of a de-escalation in the

Middle East conflict, with investors awaiting remarks later in

the day from U.S. President Donald Trump that could signal the

war's trajectory.

The Nikkei rose 0.85% to 54,207.02 as of 0008 GMT,

while the broader Topix climbed 1.18% to 3,715.25.

Trump, who had signalled that an end to the Middle East

conflict could be close, is scheduled to address the nation at 9

p.m. EDT on Wednesday (0100 GMT on Thursday) to provide what he

described as an "important update on Iran" .

Speaking to Reuters, Trump said the U.S. would end its war

on Iran fairly soon and could return for "spot hits" if needed.

In a Truth Social post earlier, Trump had said that Iran's new

leader had asked for a ceasefire.

"It looks like the war can avoid the worst scenario - the

U.S. ground invasion into Iran, but for the equities to trade

higher, we need to wait and see if the passage of the Strait of

Hormuz will become possible," said Kazunori Tatebe, chief

strategist at Daiwa Asset Management.

Meanwhile, Uniqlo-brand owner Fast Retailing ( FRCOF ) rose

1.21% to provide the biggest boost to the Nikkei. Technology

investor SoftBank Group rose 1.04%.