Tokyo stocks close higher as investors secure rights to dividends

TOKYO, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Tuesday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index rising for a seventh straight trading day, as shares paying out dividends for the fiscal first half ending this month drew buying, with a softer yen adding support.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 70.33 points, or 0.29 percent, from Friday to close the day at 23,940.26.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 18.42 points, or 1.02 percent, to finish at 1,822.44.

Metal product, chemical and air transportation-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.

Financial markets here were closed on Monday for a national holiday.