Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday, dragged down by selling of technology issues tracking their U.S. counterparts.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 114.90 points, or 0.30 percent, from Tuesday to 38,248.71. The broader Topix index was down 2.50 points, or 0.09 percent, at 2,629.80.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by insurance, machinery and electric appliance issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 149.97-98 yen compared with 149.95-150.05 yen in New York and 150.35-37 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0808-0812 and 162.09-16 yen against $1.0803-0813 and 162.08-18 yen in New York and $1.0770-0771 and 161.93-97 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.