* Nikkei ends 7-session losing run * Sony gains ahead of turnaround plan * Hitachi Construction up on report to post stronger results By Sophie Knight and Mari Saito TOKYO, April 12 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average broke a seven-session losing streak on Thursday, boosted by big programme buying by hedge funds, which pushed the index to above 9,500, triggering short covering and accelerating the move higher, market participants said. The Nikkei closed 0.7 percent higher at 9,524.79 to end its worst losing run since July 2009, after trading in and out of positive territory throughout the morning session. "This is a futures led gain. There's been a steady amount of futures orders after the midday break and a little after 2 p.m.