Tokyo stocks close higher on U.S. shares' overnight advance

TOKYO, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday as investor sentiment was brightened by solid U.S. retail data for March lifting U.S. shares overnight, while a comparatively weak yen also supported buying and helped exporters advance.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 133.29 points, or 0.60 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 22,223.41.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 4.22 points, or 0.26 percent, to finish at 1,619.19.

Electric appliance, machinery, and farm and fishery-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.