TOKYO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended nearly flat Wednesday after gains made on a weaker yen versus the U.S. dollar were erased as investors hit the sidelines ahead of the release of the U.S. Federal Reserve's minutes on its latest policy-setting meeting due out later in the day.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 45.71 points, or 0.21 percent, from Tuesday to end the day at 21,970.81.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged down 0.84 point, or 0.05 percent, to end at 1,761.61.

Glass, electric machinery and miscellaneous product-linked issues comprised those that gained the most, while insurance, securities and bank-oriented shares led those that declined the most by the close of play.