(Updates with closing prices)

TOKYO, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average

snapped a three-day rally to end lower on Friday as investors

booked profits after sharp gains in the previous session, while

a stronger yen hurt sentiment.

The Nikkei fell 0.79% to close at 39,149.43 but rose

1.74% for the week.

"Investors sold stocks to book profits and a stronger yen

also hurt sentiment," said Shoichi Arisawa, general manager of

the investment research department at IwaiCosmo Securities.

The benchmark ended more than 1% higher on Thursday in its

biggest daily percentage gain in three weeks.

The Japanese currency edged up against the dollar

on Friday, trading last up 0.21% at 152.5 yen.

"The Nikkei has been hovering between a range of 38,000 and

40,000. For the index to rise beyond that level, investors want

to have the uncertainties of U.S. President Donald Trump's

tariff plan removed," said Arisawa.

Uniqlo-brand owner Fast Retailing ( FRCOF ) slid 1.55% to

drag the Nikkei the most. Chip-making equipment maker Tokyo

Electron ( TOELF ) lost 2.07%.

The broader Topix erased marginal gains to end 0.23%

lower at 2,759.21.

Sony Group ( SONY ) surged 8.65% to become the biggest

support for the Topix, as the audio equipment maker reported

strong results at its games and music divisions.

Toppan Holdings ( TONPF ) soared 15.52% to become the top

gainer on the Nikkei after the printing firm raised its annual

net profit forecast.

Nissan ( NSANF ) and Honda ( HMC ) advanced 2.55% and 2.48%,

respectively, after the two automakers ended talks to forge a

$60 billion car company.

Of more than 1,600 stocks trading on the Tokyo Stock

Exchange's prime market, 28% rose, 68% fell and 3% traded flat.