File photo: CGTN

TOKYO, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday as investor sentiment was lifted by U.S. shares advancing overnight after robust earnings by retailers eased concerns about the outlook for the U.S. economy.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 73.96 points, or 0.36 percent, from Wednesday to 20,692.53.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 2.92 points, or 0.19 percent, at 1,500.43.

Farm and fishery, chemical, and glass and ceramic-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.