Tokyo stocks were higher in early trading Friday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street, while the yen's weakness against the U.S. dollar supported some export-oriented shares.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 212.30 points, or 0.54 percent, from Thursday to 39,553.84. The broader Topix index was up 15.52 points, or 0.56 percent, at 2,809.22.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by insurance, bank, and marine transportation issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 160.69-72 yen compared with 160.72-82 yen in New York and 160.54-56 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0706-0710 and 172.03-13 yen against $1.0699-0709 and 172.03-13 yen in New York and $1.0689-0691 and 171.61-65 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.
The euro briefly hit 172.15 yen in New York, its lowest level since the European currency was introduced in 1999.
