Tokyo stocks closed higher Thursday as the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar gave exporters a boost and lifted the broader market, while Chinese shares advancing also brightened the market mood.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 255.75 points, or 1.17 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 22,187.96.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 7.80 points, or 0.46 percent, to finish at 1,709.68.

Fishery, agriculture and forestry, information and communication, and pharmaceutical-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.