Tokyo stocks opened higher Wednesday, supported by buying to secure dividend rights before the end of the fiscal year, and exporters on the back of a weak yen.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 126.82 points, or 0.31 percent, from Tuesday to 40,524.85. The broader Topix index was up 13.54 points, or 0.49 percent, at 2,794.34.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by real estate, insurance and consumer credit issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 151.51-54 yen compared with 151.50-60 yen in New York and 151.32-34 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0832-0833 and 164.12-16 yen against $1.0825-0835 and 164.10-20 yen in New York, and $1.0841-0843 and 164.05-09 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
