Tokyo stocks rose slightly Thursday, lifted by technology issues tracking gains in their U.S. counterparts, with the market awaiting remarks by the Bank of Japan chief the next day. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 259.21 points, or 0.68 percent, from Wednesday at 38,211.01, its best close since July 31. The broader Topix index finished 6.54 points, or 0.25 percent, higher at 2,671.40. On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by pharmaceutical, warehousing and harbor transportation service and chemical issues. The U.S. dollar briefly weakened to the upper 144 yen range in Toky…