Tokyo stocks remained flat and sluggish most of the trading time in the day but closed higher on late buying.

The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 138.88 points, or 1.66 percent, from Thursday to 8,512.27.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 5.79 points, or 0.70 percent, to 834.82.

Gains were led by real estate, mining, and iron and steel issues. Major decliners included insurance, gas and electric, and retail issues.

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2008)