Tokyo shares open higher on firm U.S. stocks

Tokyo shares opened higher Wednesday with market confidence boosted by strong U.S. stocks overnight.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 61.00 points, or 0.33 percent, from Tuesday to 18,421.54.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 5.57 points, or 0.38 percent, to 1,482.77.

Gainers were led by marine transportation, banking and mining issues. Endit