This file photo shows the Tokyo Stock Exchange. (Mainichi)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks opened flat Thursday as overnight losses on the technology-heavy U.S. Nasdaq index were offset by former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida's victory in the ruling party election the previous day, as well as a weakening yen against the U.S. dollar.

       In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 29.27 points, or 0.10 percent, from Wednesday to 29,515.02. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was down 1.72 points, or 0.08 percent, at 2,036.57.

       Decliners were led by marine transportation, and iron and steel issues, while gainers were led by pharmaceutical and land transportation issues.

       At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 111.93-94 yen compared with 111.92-112.02 yen in New York and 111.29-31 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The U.S. unit briefly strengthened to 112.05 yen in New York trading, the highest level against the yen since February last year, on rises in U.S. Treasury yields.

       The euro was quoted at $1.1602-1607 and 129.86-90 yen against $1.1593-1603 and 129.82-92 yen in New York and $1.1661-1663 and 129.78-82 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.

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