TOKYO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened lower Friday as investor sentiment was dampened by Wall Street's overnight retreat amid concerns over slowing growth in the eurozone economy.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 206.31 points, or 0.96 percent, from Thursday to 21,249.70.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 15.64 points, or 0.98 percent, to 1,586.02.

Marine transportation, pulp and paper, and insurance-linked issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell. Enditem