Tokyo stocks opened 1.50 percent higher on Tuesday after US shares rose despite international tensions over Crimea.

The Nikkei-225 index was up 213.74 points to 14,491.41 at the start. US stocks climbed Monday, brushing off geopolitical concerns after a controversial vote Sunday by Crimea to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.13 percent to 16,247.22.US economic figures were also encouraging, with manufacturing output recording its largest increase in six months in February.

"The Ukraine situation remains delicate, but at least has not spilled over into violence, despite the opposition by Western powers," said Daiwa Securities senior strategist Tsuyoshi Nomaguchi.

The dollar firmed against the yen, providing support for export shares.The greenback rose to 101.89 yen early Tuesday from 101.68 yen in New York Monday afternoon.

The euro bought $1.3925 and 141.87 yen compared with $1.3921 and 141.58 yen. Later Tuesday, Japan´s official land price data -- used as a measuring stick for the rate inflation -- will be released.--