Tokyo stocks opened lower Tuesday as investors locked in gains after sharp rises the previous day, with many awaiting the outcome later in the day of the Bank of Japan's policy meeting.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 237.52 points, or 0.60 percent, from Monday to 39,502.92. The broader Topix index was down 2.77 points, or 0.10 percent, at 2,719.22.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by precision instrument, pharmaceutical and marine transportation issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 149.14-15 yen compared with 149.09-19 yen in New York and 149.12-14 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0872-0876 and 162.15-20 yen against $1.0867-0877 and 162.08-18 yen in New York and $1.0892-0893 and 162.43-47 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.
