(Updates prices, adds details)

By Kevin Buckland

TOKYO, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Japan's Topix index rose above

the psychological 3,000-point mark on Friday for the first time

ever, as favourable earnings lifted heavyweight stocks such as

SoftBank Group, which rallied as much as 11%.

The broad Topix gained as much as 1.5%, as of 0110

GMT to a record 3,032.52.

The more tech-focused Nikkei share average rose 2%

to 41,875.96, its highest since July 25.

SoftBank Group rose nearly 11% at its highest

point, as the technology investor reported that it swung back to

profit in the first quarter.

Sony Group ( SONY ) gained 6%, adding to its

earnings-fuelled 4.1% advance from Thursday.