TOKYO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed sharply lower Friday as investors sought to lock in profits ahead of the Golden Week string of national holidays during which the nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic will likely be extended.

File photo: CGTN

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 574.34 points, or 2.84 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 19,619.35.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 32.77 points, or 2.24 percent, to finish at 1,431.26.

Marine transportation, insurance, and iron and steel-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.