TOKYO, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Thursday, tracking U.S. stocks dropping overnight, on concerns of a protracted economic shutdown battering corporate profits, with sentiment worsening as U.S. President Donald Trump spoke of a "painful" upcoming period for the world's largest economy.

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As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 170.05 points, or 0.94 percent, from Wednesday to 17,895.36.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 11.29 points, or 0.84 percent, at 1,339.79.

Air transportation, rubber product and consumer credit issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.