(Updates share prices, adds comments)

TOKYO, March 13 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average

rose nearly 1% on Thursday, as gains of U.S. technology stocks

lifted sentiment, prompting investors to scoop up heavyweight

chip-related shares.

The Nikkei was up 0.96% at 37,173.82 by the midday

break, while the broader Topix rose 0.88% to 2,718.63.

U.S. stocks advanced on Wednesday as cooler-than-expected

inflation data helped stanch a sharp selloff, while the

escalation of U.S. President Donald Trump's chaotic, multi-front

tariff war kept gains in check. Technology shares led the

gainers among the 11 major sectors in the S&P 500.

"The market was relieved to see gains of U.S. technology

stocks," said Kentaro Hayashi, senior strategist at Daiwa

Securities.

In Japan, chip-testing equipment maker Advantest ( ADTTF )

surged 5.6% on Thursday, providing the largest boost to the

Nikkei. Meanwhile, chip-making equipment manufacturer Tokyo

Electron ( TOELF ) saw a 1.59% gain.

SoftBank Group rose 1.41%.

The U.S. inflation data released overnight also relieved

investors, Hayashi said.

"The data suggested the U.S. could cut rates if the economy

weakens," he said.

U.S. consumer prices cooled more than analysts expected,

reassuring that inflation is headed in the right direction and

keeping hopes alive that the U.S. Federal Reserve could cut its

key interest rate this year.

Automakers fell, with Toyota Motor ( TM ) slipping 0.33%

and Honda Motor ( HMC ) down 0.07%.

All but three of the Tokyo Stock Exchange's 33 industry

sub-indexes rose. The auto sector fell 0.11% to

become the worst performer.

Of the 225 Nikkei companies, 168 stocks rose and 54 fell,

with three trading flat.