Tokyo stocks opened almost flat Monday as investors snapping up issues on dips was offset by concerns that the start of U.S.-South Korean military exercises might add to tensions on the Korean Peninsular.

As of 9:15 a.m. local time, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 3.64 points, or 0.02 percent, from Friday to 19,466.77.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 1.25 points, or 0.08 percent, at 1,598.61.

Rubber product and bank issues comprised issues that declined the most in early trade. Mining and marine transportation issues, meanwhile, led gainers.