Nikkei regains ground as yen weakens, inflation less than forecast

By Shinichi Saoshiro TOKYO, April 25 (Reuters) - Japanese shares gained on Friday, buoyed by a weaker yen and after inflation data came in lower than expected, reinforcing some hopes for further monetary easing by the Bank of Japan. The Nikkei share average 0.7 percent to 14,498.89 in morning trade, moving back towards a two-week high of 14,650 hit on Monday. The index had shed 1 percent on Thursday as the lack of a breakthrough in U.S.-Japan trade talks disappointed some investors.