Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday as investor sentiment was bolstered by a strong tone set by Wall Street overnight, coupled with the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar lifting exporter issues.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 105.93 points, or 0.53 percent, from Wednesday to 20,236.34.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 10.06 points, or 0.62 percent, to 1,624.43.

Bank, iron and steel, and machinery-linked issues comprised those that gained the most in early trade.