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

edged higher on Tuesday after a two-session slide, led higher by

department store shares after relatively strong monthly sales.

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 0.3% to 42,292.88 at the

midday break. The broader Topix added 0.5%.

Takashimaya ( TKSHF ) and a unit of J.Front Retailing ( JFROF )

posted preliminary same-store sales figures for August

on Monday that showed the first year-on-year rise since

February.

Takashimaya ( TKSHF ) shares gained 2.4%, while J.Front advanced

almost 2.8%. Isetan Mitsukoshi ( IMHDF ), which narrowed its

monthly sales decline, added 3.5%.

There were 171 advancers on the Nikkei against 51 decliners.

The largest percentage gainers on the index were Mitsui

Mining and Smelting ( XZJCF ), which added 5.6%, followed by

beermaker Kirin Holdings ( KNBWF ), which rose 5.3%.

The largest losers on the index were online retailer Mercari ( MRCIF )

, which lost 4%, followed by Muji-brand retailer Ryohin

Keikaku ( RYKKF ), which shed 2.4%.