TOKYO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Thursday as investor concerns over a potential trade war were eased to a degree following the U.S. saying planned tariffs on steel and aluminum imports wouldn't apply to all countries.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 115.35 points, or 0.54 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 21,368.07.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 5.99 points, or 0.35 percent, to finish at 1,709.95.

Pulp and paper, pharmaceutical and electric appliance-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.