Tokyo stocks opens lower as powerful earthquake rocks Hokkaido, Japan

Tokyo stocks opened lower on Thursday after a powerful earthquake rocked Hokkaido, with investor sentiment also dampened by a strong typhoon pummeling western Japan recently.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 68.72 points, or 0.30 percent, from Wednesday to 22,512.11, Xinhua news agency reported.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 7.09 points, or 0.42 percent, to 1,697.87.

The miscellaneous product, air transportation and house financial issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.

The Sapporo Securities Exchange in Hokkaido is closed due to a blackout caused by the earthquake.