TOKYO, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday as investor sentiment was bolstered by the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar which lifted exporter issues and buoyed the broader market.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 218.61 points, or 1.04 percent, from Wednesday to 21,249.92.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 11.63 points, or 0.68 percent, at 1,711.19.

Oil and coal product, construction and food-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.