The Nikkei index opened 1.40 percent higher Friday. At 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average was up 196.72 points, or 1.40 percent, from Thursday at 14,215.65. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 12.36 points, or 1.06 percent, at 1, 183.07.