TOKYO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Tuesday as investor sentiment was bolstered by solid U.S. retail data lifting U.S. shares overnight, while hopes that Britain's exit from the European Union might be a smooth one added support.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 378.60 points, or 1.79 percent, from Monday to close the day at 21,503.69.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 24.04 points, or 1.52 percent, to finish at 1,605.48.

Securities house, electric appliance and real estate-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.