Tokyo stocks advance in morning on U.S. tax reform expectations, softer yen

TOKYO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks advanced Friday morning as U.S. shares' rise overnight following U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's remarks about unveiling a tax reform plan saw investor appetite here increased, with a softer yen against the U.S. dollar also adding support.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 159.32 points, or 0.86 percent, from Thursday to 18,589.81.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, advanced 14.37 points, or 0.98 percent, to 1,487.18.

Marine transportation, rubber product and securities-linked stocks advanced the most by the morning break.