FACTBOX-Recent comments by Bank of Japan officials

April 27 (Reuters) - Following are summaries of recent comments by BOJ and government officials.

BOJ GOVERNOR TOSHIHIKO FUKUI, April 27, at regular news conference:

"We cannot ignore short-term movements in prices, but what is more important for conducting monetary policy is how prices will move in the long run.

Even if they are weak in the near future, if we can confirm that the economy and prices are firm, then, unless we raise rates accordingly, we'll have an undesirable outcome in resource allocation and a volatile economy...

"If markets expect the BOJ to keep rates low even while the economy achieves 2.1 percent growth (as forecast by the BOJ), it could distort the BOJ's policy scenario."

We need to adjust interest rates despite near-term weak price growth, if we can confirm that long-term price moves are strong and the economy and prices are heading towards a good direction...

"If the economy moves in line with our scenario, we will adjust interest rates, not at a particular pace but in accordence with the pace of changes in the economy and prices.

This scenario is based on the view that markets are pricing in gradual rises in interest rates.

So if we are to hesitate to raise rates just because CPI is low, our scenario would become inconsistent..."

* Click on [ID:nT155545] for highlights of his remarks from the news conference.

FUKUI, April 17, in parliament:

"Monetary conditions remain very accommodative even after the (Feb rate hike) decision...

"Japan has emerged from a decade of difficult times and we are still in the midst of adjusting interest rates to a level that is truly desirable...

"The BOJ is in the process of raising rates gradually, albeit very cautiously."

FUKUI, April 16, in text of speech delivered to meeting of trust bank executives:

"The BOJ will continue to contribute to sustainable growth with price stability by guiding monetary policy appropriately while closely examining economic and price conditions."