Tokyo stocks open sharply lower as strong yen sends exporters lower

TOKYO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened sharply lower Monday as the yen's rise against the U.S. dollar dented exporter-related issues which dragged down the the broader market.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 251.93 points, or 1.22 percent, from Friday to 20,349.26.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 18.15 points, or 1.20 percent, at 1,494.13.

Oil and coal product, nonferrous metal and securities house-linked issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.