Tokyo stocks close lower on yen's rise amid U.S. tax reform uncertainty

TOKYO, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Friday as yen's rise against the U.S. dollar pressured exporter issues as investors opted for profits amid concerns over U.S. tax reforms.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 141.23 points, or 0.62 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 22,553.22, marking its lowest closing level since Dec. 7.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 14.67 points, or 0.81 percent, to finish at 1,793.47.

Information and communication, marine transportation and transportation equipment-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.