TOKYO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday as the market mood was lifted by record closes on Wall Street overnight with sentiment also underpinned by a comparatively weak yen versus the U.S. dollar after solid U.S. economic data.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 108.13 points, or 0.45 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 24,041.26, marking its highest closing level since Dec. 17.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 6.72 points, or 0.39 percent, to finish the day at 1,735.44.

Marine transportation, and iron and steel issues were among notable gainers by the close of play. Enditem