TOKYO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended lower on Friday as investors locked in gains after recent surges following Japan's general election over the weekend.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 697.87 points, or 1.21 percent, from Thursday at 56,941.97.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 63.31 points, or 1.63 percent, lower at 3,818.85.
On the stock market, declines came after the key Nikkei index set intraday record highs for three consecutive trading days through Thursday after Japan's ruling coalition won a lower house majority in Sunday's election.
Investors were also exercising caution ahead of Friday's release of U.S. inflation data, analysts said. ■
