Tokyo stocks opened essentially flat on Friday, as selling by investors to secure gains following the market's recent rally, were offset by buying on optimism for solid earnings reports set to be released here by Japan Inc.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged14.85 points, or 0.07 percent, lower from Thursday to 20,939.87.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, shed 4.06 points, or 0.24 percent, to 1,696.07.

Mining and service issues led notable decliners in early trade. Retail and air transportation issues, meanwhile, comprised those that gained the most in the early minutes after the opening bell.