TOKYO, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Nikkei stock index closed lower Wednesday as investors opted to secure gains after the market's recent rise amid concerns over U.S. earnings reports, although losses were trimmed by hopes more countries would ease their coronavirus-linked lockdowns and restart their economies.

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The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 88.72 points, or 0.45 percent, from Wednesday at 19,550.09.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, finished 0.56 point, or 0.04 percent, higher at 1,434.07.

Decliners were led by mining and marine transportation issues, while notable gainers comprised air transportation and land transportation issues by the close of play.