TOKYO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Tuesday as earlier losses were regained as investors sought out bargains.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 144.07 points, or 0.66 percent, from Monday to close the day at 21,968.10.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 9.73 points, or 0.56 percent, to finish at 1,751.03.

Electric power and gas, precision instrument and electric appliance-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.