UPDATE 1 — Japan conducted rate checks in the FX market, Nikkei reports

(Adds no comment from MOF in paragraph 3) TOKYO, Sept 19 (Reuters) — Japanese authorities conducted rate checks in the currency market, the Nikkei newspaper reported, triggering a sharp rise in the yen. The report came after the currency's slide despite the Bank of Japan's decision on Friday to raise interest rates to a 31-year high of 1.25%. Japan's Finance Ministry, which directs intervention, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Leika Kihara, Editing by Louise Heavens) ((leika.kihara@thomsonreuters.com; +813-6441-1828; Reuters Messaging: leika.kihara.reuters.com@reuters.net)