Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday, lifted by buying of manufacturers with relatively high exposure to China after stronger-than-expected economic data for the world's second-largest economy was released the previous day.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 57.28 points, or 0.21 percent, from Wednesday to 27,573.81. The broader Topix index was up 2.73 points, or 0.14 percent, at 2,000.54.
Gainers were led by nonferrous metal, insurance, and oil and coal product shares.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 136.18-19 yen compared with 136.17-27 yen in New York and 135.92-94 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0667-0671 and 145.26-33 yen against $1.0664-0674 and 145.30-40 yen in New York, and $1.0640-0642 and 144.62-66 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
