TOKYO, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Friday as investors welcomed solid U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) data released overnight, while the yen's softer tone gave exporters a boost.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 179.68 points, or 0.84 percent, from Thursday to 21,564.84.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 6.99 points, or 0.43 percent, at 1,614.65.

Securities house, pharmaceutical and precision instrument-linked issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.