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

average rose more than 1% in early trade on Thursday, tracking a

strong overnight performance in Wall Street, with chip-related

shares driving the gains.

As of 0012 GMT, the Nikkei was up 1.1% at 37,235.29.

The broader Topix rose 0.92% to 2,720.16.

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.

Chip-testing equipment maker Advantest ( ADTTF ) surged 5% on

Thursday, providing the largest boost to the Nikkei. Meanwhile,

chip-making equipment manufacturer Tokyo Electron ( TOELF ) saw a

1.7% gain.

Uniqlo-brand owner Fast Retailing ( FRCOF ) rose 0.83%.

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

and Honda Motor ( HMC ) down 0.07%.