TOKYO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday as a the yen's firm tone against the U.S. dollar pressured exporters and dragged down the broader market.

As of 9:15 a.m. local time, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 178.06 points, or 0.74 percent, from Tuesday to 23,773.75.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 10.59 points, or 0.56 percent, at 1,883.66.

Oil and coal product, marine transportation and bank-oriented issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.