Tokyo stocks close higher on solid U.S. jobs data, Japanese gov't cronyism scandal in focus

TOKYO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Monday as Wall Street's solid lead late last week on robust U.S. jobs data lifted the market mood, but an influencing-peddling scandal here involving senior Japanese politicians caused consternation.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 354.83 points, or 1.65 percent, from Friday to close the day at 21,824.03, marking its highest closing level since Feb. 28.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 25.82 points, or 1.51 percent, to finish at 1,741.30.

Machinery, rubber product and mining-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play. Enditem