File photo: AFP

TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Friday as the U.S. economy's record quarterly decline dented investor sentiment amid continued concerns over rising coronavirus cases at home and abroad.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 162.17 points, or 0.73 percent, from Thursday to 22,177.06.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 10.91 points, or 0.71 percent, at 1,528.56.

Pulp and paper, rubber product, and oil and coal product issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.