Tokyo stocks opened essentially flat Tuesday as investors remained in a risk averse mood over possible further developments that could lead to tensions heightening to a greater extent on the Korean Peninsular.

As of 9:15 a.m. local time, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 9.09 points, or 0.05 percent, from Monday to 19,499.16.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged down 2.11 points, or 0.13 percent, to 1,601.44.

Marine transportation, rubber product, and air transportation issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes of trade.