Japan lifts ban Photo:AFP

 
Tokyo stocks opened sharply higher Wednesday following Wall Street's upbeat lead overnight, as expectations for the U.S. economy's recovery helped buoy the market mood.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 463.94 points, or 2.08 percent, from Tuesday to 22,789.55.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 21.75 points, or 1.37 percent, at 1,609.43.

Rubber product, mining and nonferrous metal-linked issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.