TOKYO, April 30 (Xinhua) - Tokyo stocks advanced Thursday morning, tracking US shares' rally overnight, on hopes for an antiviral drug which has had success in treating COVID-19 patients.

A pedestrian passes before a share prices board in Tokyo on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. (Photo: CFP)

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 510.38 points, or 2.58 percent, from Tuesday to 20,281.57.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 21.58 points, or 1.49 percent, at 1,470.73.

Marine transportation, iron and steel, and mining-linked issues comprised those that advanced the most by the morning break.

Financial markets in Japan were closed Wednesday for a national holiday.