TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks climbed Friday morning, as a weaker yen attracted buying of exporters while bank shares were lifted by higher long-term interest rates.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 138.54 points, or 0.37 percent, from Wednesday to 37,890.42. The broader Topix index was up 18.19 points, or 0.65 percent, at 2,814.15.

Japanese markets were closed Thursday for a public holiday.

The U.S. dollar strengthened to the lower 149 yen zone in Tokyo as the Japanese currency, seen as a safe-haven asset, was sold on the back of climbing stocks in Tokyo, dealers said.

At noon, the dollar fetched 149.06-07 yen compared with 148.72-82 yen in New York at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0844-0845 and 161.64-67 yen against $1.0848-0858 and 161.41-51 yen in New York late Thursday afternoon.

Stocks were initially lower following losses on Wall Street overnight, but later gained momentum as some export-linked shares were lifted by the yen's depreciation, which boosts their repatriated earnings.

The market was also buoyed by bank shares on expectations for improved profits as long-term interest rates rose on speculation after a Bank of Japan policy meeting this week that the central bank will further increase rates, brokers said.