Nikkei hits 4-mth closing high as reassurance grows

(Updates to close)

TOKYO, May 15 (Reuters) - The Nikkei share average rose 0.9 percent to a four-month closing high on Thursday, led higher by growing market reassurance symbolised by Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research), which soared 8.7 percent after forecasting a higher profit than expected.

Nippon Steel Corp (5401.T: Quote, Profile, Research) surged after a report that Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research) has agreed with it and other top Japanese steelmakers to pay more than 30 percent more for sheet steel, while bank shares -- sold recently -- powered higher after a report that no. 2 bank Mizuho Financial Group (8411.T: Quote, Profile, Research) plans an effective 10-for-1 stock split. The Nikkei .N225 rose 133.19 points to 14,251.74, its highest close since Jan. 10, for a fourth straight day of gains. The broader Topix was up 1.4 percent at 1,392.87. (Reporting by Elaine Lies)