In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average advanced 45.05 points, or 0.33 percent, from Monday to 13,526.43.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange gained 9.85 points, or 0.75 percent, to 1,329.95. The Second Section also advanced. (Xinhua)