Tokyo  - Japanese stocks closed up slightly on Thursday due to hope among investors that the world economic situation would improve but traders said the relatively strong yen was restraining the upwards trend.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 32.87 points, or 0.34 per cent, to close at 9,832.47.

The broader-based Topix index also rose 1.90 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 887.59.

On currency markets at noon (0300 GMT), the dollar traded at 88.26-30 yen, up from 88.14-16 yen in late trading Wednesday.

The euro traded at 1.4767-69 dollars, up from 1.4722-24 dollars, and at 130.36-38 yen, up from 129.76-80 yen. (dpa)