TOKYO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks rose slightly on Wednesday as a weaker yen benefited export-oriented stocks.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 36,819.09, up 25.98 points, or 0.07 percent from the previous day.

The Japanese yen temporarily weakened to 148 per U.S. dollar, prompting foreign short-term investors to buy stock index futures, leading to a futures-driven rise in the Nikkei.

However, gains remained limited as investor concerns persisted over the U.S. tariff policies and expectations of further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.

The imposition of a 25-percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports from all countries, including Japan, added to market uncertainty. The upcoming April 2 announcement of U.S. auto tariffs and reciprocal duties further deterred long-term investors from making aggressive moves.

The Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) rebounded for the first time in four sessions, closing at 2,694.91, up 24.19 points, or 0.91 percent.