TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Monday morning, supported by advances on Wall Street late last week and bargain-hunting after recent declines.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 341.69 points, or 0.88 percent, from Friday to 39,043.59. The broader Topix index was up 19.87 points, or 0.74 percent, at 2,721.86.

The U.S. dollar briefly strengthened slightly to the upper 156 yen range in Tokyo as domestic importers bought the U.S. currency for settlement purposes, dealers said.

At noon, the dollar fetched 156.53-58 yen compared with 156.39-49 yen in New York and 156.81-84 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0440-0441 and 163.42-49 yen against $1.0426-0436 and 163.00-10 yen in New York and $ 1.0381-0382 and 162.80-84 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.

The Nikkei index climbed above the 39,000 threshold as tech shares tracked a sharp rise on a key U.S. semiconductor index on Friday, analysts said.

Market participants also scooped up bargains after stocks fell for six straight trading days, with the Nikkei benchmark losing over 1,100 points, while export-oriented issues were sought as the yen maintained its weak tone against the dollar.