TOKYO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks dropped from the opening bell Tuesday tracking Wall Street's losses overnight, with a comparatively firm yen against the U.S. dollar denting investor sentiment.
As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 143.94 points, or 0.74 percent, from Friday to 19,377.65.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange lost 6.66 points, or 0.43 percent, to 1,559.19.
Insurance, iron and steel, and air transportation issues comprised notable issues that retreated into negative territory in early trading.
Markets in Tokyo were closed on Monday for a national holiday.
