Nikkei rises 0.2 pct in choppy trade, JAL lower

* Nikkei gains ground after sharp fall, as dlr/yen steady

* JAL down despite news Air France-KLM seeking stake

* Daikin jumps, to sell H1N1 virus-fighting air purifier

* Economic optimism may fade -analyst

By Aiko Hayashi

TOKYO, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average edged up 0.2 percent in choppy trade on Tuesday, buoyed by Canon Inc (7751.T) and other exporters as the yen held steady against the dollar, but worries that it may only be a brief respite limited gains.

Japan Airlines (9205.T) failed to add to gains made the previous day despite news that Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) was joining a list of suitors seeking a minority stake in the loss-making Japanese carrier. [ID:nT194467]

But Daikin Industries Ltd (6367.T), the world's No.2 air conditioner maker, jumped 5 percent after it said it planned to start selling an air purifier that it claims can break down the H1N1 flu virus completely. [ID:nT204372]

"The market is being supported by a halt in the yen's appreciation against the dollar and as hot money is flowing into commodities and stocks encouraged by near zero interest rate policies in Japan, the United States and Europe," said Takahiko Murai, general manager of equities at Nozomi Securities.