Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday on selling of technology and real estate issues that are sensitive to higher borrowing costs as Japanese government bond yields continue to rise.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 254.64 points, or 0.65 percent, from Tuesday to 38,692.29. The broader Topix index was down 12.05 points, or 0.44 percent, at 2,747.67.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by marine transportation, real estate and precision instrument issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 156.26-29 yen compared with 156.15-25 yen in New York and 156.22-24 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0852-0856 and 169.57-67 yen against $1.0849-0859 and 169.49-59 yen in New York and $1.0864-0865 and 169.72-76 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
