Tokyo stocks close higher on Wall Street's overnight lead, yen's retreat

TOKYO, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday as U.S. shares bouncing back overnight set a positive tone with a comparatively weak yen against the U.S. dollar also adding support and giving exporters a boost.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 172.05 points, or 0.82 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 21,205.81.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 8.79 points, or 0.56 percent, to finish at 1,591.64.

By the close of play, pharmaceutical, food and mining-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.