Tokyo stocks opened slightly lower Monday, tracking declines on Wall Street late last week amid concern over the possible global economic impact of the Israel-Hamas war.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 97.42 points, or 0.31 percent, from Friday to 31,161.94. The broader Topix index was down 4.72 points, or 0.21 percent, at 2,250.93.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by oil and coal product, insurance, and iron and steel issues.
The U.S. dollar traded in the upper 149 yen level after briefly climbing above the psychologically important 150 yen line Friday amid prospects of prolonged monetary tightening in the United States.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 149.85-90 yen compared with 149.82-92 yen in New York and 149.97-98 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0589-0590 and 158.68-74 yen against $1.0589-0599 and 158.66-76 yen in New York, and $1.0570-0572 and 158.52-56 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.
