Nikkei touches 5-mth low on global economy concerns

(Updates to midmorning)

TOKYO, Aug 22 (Reuters) - The Nikkei average briefly touched its lowest point in nearly five months on Friday as exporters such as Kyocera Corp (6971.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) slid on a stronger yen and lingering concern about the global economy.

But energy-linked shares such as trading houses and oil and gas field developer Inpex Holdings (1605.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) got a lift on oil prices CLc1 as they held above $121 a barrel. [O/R]

"The trading environment is worse than yesterday as the yen became stronger after yesterday's close and oil prices rose sharply," said Yoshinori Nagano, chief strategist at Daiwa Asset Management.

"Lingering worries about the global economy, including Japan, are also weighing on the market."

As of 0107 GMT, the benchmark Nikkei .N225 had shed 42.39 points to 12,709.82, after touching 12,631.94, its lowest level since April 1.

The broader Topix .TOPX was down 0.5 percent at 1,218.73.

The dollar was trading around 108.55 yen <JPY=> against the yen, having fallen from a seven-month high of 110.67 yen hit last week. A stronger yen reduces the value of exporters' profits when they are brought back home.

Shares of electric parts maker Kyocera slid 1.6 percent to 8,790 yen, while Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) shed 0.6 percent to 4,760 yen.

Oil prices rose nearly 5 percent to above $121 a barrel on Thursday, putting a dramatic end to a slide of more than $20 since mid-July. [O/R]

That helped lift Inpex 2.8 percent to 1.2 million yen.

Trading houses that make the bulk of profits from their energy and natural resources businesses also rose, with Mitsubishi Corp (8058.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) up 2.2 percent at 3,020 yen and Mitsui & Co (8031.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) gaining 2.3 percent to 1,793 yen. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi; Editing by Hugh Lawson)