Tokyo stocks closed slightly higher Wednesday after relinquishing the majority of their early gains on buybacks after Wall Street recovered overnight, as jitters over recent volatility continued.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged up 35.13 points, or 0.16 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 21,645.37.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 6.50 points higher, or 0.37 percent, to finish at 1,749.91.

Oil and coal product, machinery and pharmaceutical issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.