TOKYO, June 26 (Xinhua) - Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday as investor sentiment was lifted by US stocks rebounding overnight and hopes for eased banking regulations, which lifted financial issues that were partly distracted from a severe resurgence in COVID-19 cases.

A financial data board in Tokyo shows the Nikkei Stock Average on April 30, 2020. (Photo: CFP)

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 252.29 points, or 1.13 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 22,512.08.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 15.52 points, or 0.99 percent, higher at 1,577.37.

Bank, securities house, and warehousing and harbor transportation service sectors comprised notable gainers by the close of play.