Tokyo Aug 24 (IANS) Tokyo stocks opened higher on Friday as investor sentiment was brightened by the yen s softer tone versus the US dollar which lifted exporters.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 64.98 points or 0.29 per cent from Thursday to 22 475.80 Xinhua news agency reported.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange meanwhile added 5.60 points or 0.33 per cent at 1 703.82.

Pulp and paper oil and coal product and pharmaceutical-linked issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.

--IANS pgh/