Nikkei edges up but weighed by exporters, yen

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average edged up 0.6 percent on Thursday as buying of drugmakers and other defensive shares narrowly overpowered selling of exporters such as Honda Motor Co (7267.T: Quote, Profile, Research) amid growing worry about the global economy.

Japan's top refiner Nippon Oil Corp (5001.T: Quote, Profile, Research) climbed nearly 14 percent and sixth-ranked Nippon Mining Holdings Inc (5016.T: Quote, Profile, Research) also surged almost 14 percent after they said they are considering a merger to better compete amid sliding prices and slower demand.

The benchmark Nikkei gained 49.34 points to 8,053.44, while the broader Topix gained 0.1 percent to 799.96.