Tokyo stocks opened lower Friday amid concern that the market was overheating following recent sharp gains.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 416.03 points, or 1.15 percent, from Thursday to 35,820.44. The broader Topix index was down 27.52 points, or 1.09 percent, at 2,504.40.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by bank, transportation equipment and metal product issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 147.72-73 yen compared with 147.60-70 yen in New York and 147.67-69 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0844-0848 and 160.19-26 yen against $1.0841-0851 and 160.11-21 yen in New York and $1.0887-0888 and 160.77-81 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.