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

fell on Friday as investors booked profits after sharp gains in

the previous session, while stocks with robust outlook capped

losses.

The Nikkei fell 0.44% to 39,287.3 by the midday

break, but was set to rise 1.7% 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 Nikkei has been hovering between a range of 38,000 and

40,000. In order 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 1.27% to

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

Electron ( TOELF ) lost 2.21%.

The broader Topix inched up 0.04% to 2,766.67,

supported by a 10% surge in Sony Group ( SONY ), which reported

strong results at its games and music divisions.

Toppan Holdings ( TONPF ) soared 14.74% to become the biggest

percentage gainer on the Nikkei after the printing firm raised

its annual net profit forecast.

Nissan ( NSANF ) and Honda ( HMC ) advanced 5.85% and 3.77%,

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, 33% rose, 62% fell and 3% traded flat.