TOKYO, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Thursday as investors were in a circumspect mood over an escalating trade dispute between China and the U.S. and ahead of trade talks later in the day between Japan and the U.S.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 132.50 points, or 0.59 percent, from Wednesday to 22,511.81.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 10.12 points, or 0.58 percent, at 1,734.59.

Oil and coal product, nonferrous metal and mining-linked issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.