TOKYO, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks edged down Friday morning as the yen's firm tone sent exporter issues lower, but losses were capped by support from Wall Street's advance overnight.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 12.97 points, or 0.05 percent, from Thursday to 23,697.46.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile inched down 9.46 points, or 0.50 percent, at 1,878.63.

Precision instrument and food-linked issues led those that declined the most by the morning break.