The Nikkei stock index opened slightly lower Monday as investors sold export-related issues on the back of a stronger yen against the U.S. dollar.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 13.83 points, or 0.05 percent, from last Tuesday to 29,144.12. The broader Topix index was up 4.23 points, or 0.20 percent, at 2,079.76.
Japanese financial markets were closed from Wednesday to Friday for national holidays.
Decliners were led by precision instrument and oil and coal product shares, while gainers included air transportation and pulp and paper issues.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 135.17-20 yen compared with 134.81-91 yen in New York at 5 p.m. Friday. It traded at 137.59-61 yen late Tuesday afternoon in Tokyo.
The euro was quoted at $1.1016-1020 and 148.90-99 yen against $1.1014-1024 and 148.47-57 yen in New York late Friday afternoon.
