TOKYO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Tuesday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index finishing at its highest level in more than 26 years as the yen's softer tone against the U.S. dollar lifted exporters issues and raised hopes for earnings results at the end of the month.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 236.93 points, or 1.00 percent, from Monday to close the day at 23,951.81, marking its highest closing level since Nov. 15, 1991.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 10.35 points, or 0.55 percent, to finish at 1,894.25.

Electric appliance, information and communication, and transportation equipment-linked issues led those that gained the most by the close of play.