TOKYO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower Friday in choppy trade as a comparatively firm yen dented market sentiment and weighed on exporter issues, with China's yuan dropping against the U.S. dollar also adding to a risk-off market mood.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 66.80 points, or 0.29 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 22,697.88.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 4.61 points, or 0.26 percent, to finish at 1,744.98.

Nonferrous metal, marine transportation, and iron and steel-orientated issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.