Tokyo stocks close lower on profit-taking, yen's rise

TOKYO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Thursday, as investors locked in recent gains following the market's rise the previous day, while the yen's rise against the U.S. dollar hurt exporter-linked issues.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 235.91 points, or 0.98 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 23,795.44.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 13.63 points, or 0.78 percent, to finish at 1,730.50.

Marine transportation, iron and steel and mining-oriented issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.