Tokyo stocks opened higher Wednesday on buying of technology shares after overnight gains on Wall Street following the Christmas holiday.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 283.07 points, or 0.85 percent, from Tuesday to 33,588.92. The broader Topix index was up 13.64 points, or 0.58 percent, at 2,352.50.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by marine transportation, mining and electric appliance issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 142.46-49 yen compared with 142.34-44 yen in New York and 142.32-34 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.1041-1045 and 157.29-38 yen against $1.1037-1047 and 157.21-31 yen in New York and $1.1022-1023 and 156.87-91 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.