LONDON: European stocks rose in opening trade on Thursday, after recent sharp losses that were sparked by Japan's unfolding nuclear crisis.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index added 0.79 percent to 5,642.29 points, Frankfurt's DAX 30 gained 0.68 percent to 6,557.85 points and in Paris the CAC 40 climbed 0.87 percent to 3,728.64.

Europe's main markets had ended sharply lower on Wednesday amid growing fears over Japan, Bahrain unrest and a ratings downgrade for Portugal.

Across in Asia on Thursday, Tokyo shares dived 1.44 percent, ending off their earlier lows after the yen retreated from a record high and as investors monitored Japan's efforts to avert a nuclear disaster.