TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher on Monday as buying prevailed amid anticipation of a rebound, although the weakness in U.S. high-tech stocks over the weekend weighed on the market.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 370.26 points, or 1 percent, from Friday at 37,438.61.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 36.14 points, or 1.38 percent, higher at 2,662.46.
Market watchers here noted that short-term sellers were buying back into the market after the Nikkei Stock Average dropped sharply on Friday to end the day at its lowest level in nearly two months.
Stocks related to electricity, gas, steel, and banks rose notably as the heightened caution about Middle East tensions over the previous weekend eased, analysts said, adding that issues related to air and land transportation also gained due to expectations of a recovery in passenger demand.
Meanwhile, semiconductor-related stocks such as Tokyo Electron and Advantest continued to decline tracking losses in U.S. tech stocks.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by shares related to services, food and retail businesses. ■
