FACTBOX-Recent economic comments by Japanese policy makers

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Aug 18 (Reuters) - Following are recent comments by Japanese policymakers and Bank of Japan officials on the economy:

FINANCE MINISTER BUNMEI IBUKI, Aug 13, at a news conference

"Exports are in a dire situation. The financial crisis following the U.S. subprime problems resembles the burst of Japan's bubble (in early 1990s)."

ECONOMY MINISTER KAORU YOSANO, Aug 13, at a news conference after figures issued showing the economy contracted in the second quarter:

"We should note that the contraction may be a reaction to high growth in the preceding quarter. But as we've said we think the economy is weakening and downside risk exists. It is natural that consumers practice thrift when prices are rising.

"There are many strong points in the Japanese economy. Overall, I believe the Japanese economy will be firm. Even though the economy contracted in April-June, it would be more accurate to think that it won't last long as the economy slumped on external factors."

LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY SECRETARY-GENERAL TARO ASO, Aug 5, in interview

"I don't feel it so much in Tokyo, but when I go to the regions I get the feeling that the economy is in a recession."

BOJ DEPUTY GOVERNOR KIYOHIKO NISHIMURA, July 28, in interview with a Japanese newspaper

"The economy may be technically heading into a recession.

"The situation is different from past recessionary phases. The possibility of a sharp downturn is small."

BOJ BOARD MEMBER ATUSHI MIZUNO, July 24, in a speech

"My personal view is that downside risks to domestic demand are heightening due to a rise in energy and raw material prices. Prices are rising but we are not in a situation where wages also rise, leading to stagflation. I think it is appropriate to have more awareness of downside risks when conducting monetary policy."

BOJ GOVERNOR MASAAKI SHIRAKAWA, July 18, in a speech

"The uncertainty surrounding both domestic and overseas economies is very high. Thus we need to be extra careful in examining various factors that are causing uncertainties in addition to looking at our standard scenario.

"The Japanese economy is likely to slow down for the time being but is likely to return to a moderate growth path without entering a serious adjustment phase.

"At the moment, we have no bias on our future policy and we will examine the outlook of the economy and prices and implement monetary policy accordingly."

Asked whether the BOJ had a tightening or easing policy bias:

"We are in a phase where we need to pay attention to both the economy and prices. There's no difference in weighting on those risks. In that sense, it is 50-50." (Reporting by Tokyo Economic Policy Desk)