TOKYO, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Tuesday, as the market inherited a positive lead from U.S. shares advancing overnight after a U.S. biotech firm's first human trial of a vaccine candidate against COVID-19 had been "positive."

File photo: VCG

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 299.72 points, or 1.49 percent, from Monday to close the day at 20,433.45, marking its highest closing level since March 6.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 26.76 points, or 1.83 percent, to finish at 1,486.05.

Iron and steel, insurance and marine transportation-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.