MNI DATA IMPACT: Japan May Sentiment Dn On Housing, Food/Drink

--Japan May Econ Watchers Current Index 44.1; Apr 45.3 

--Japan May Watchers Outlook Index 45.6; Apr 48.4 

--Japan May Watchers Outlook Index Posts 4th Straight Drop 

--Japan Govt leaves View: Weakness seen in recovery

     TOKYO (MNI) - Japan's current sentiment index fell in May, reversing

April's gain, weighed by items linked to housing, and eating and drinking

services, a key government survey released Monday showed.

     The survey indicates whether respondents with jobs most sensitive to

economic conditions -- taxi and truck drivers, department-store sales staff and

restaurant and shop owners -- think economic conditions have improved or

worsened from the three months prior.

     These are the key points from the latest monthly Economy Watchers Survey,

conducted by the Cabinet Office between May 25 and May 30.

     --The Economy Watchers sentiment index for Japan's current economic climate

fell 1.2 points to 44.1 in May on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.5

points to 45.3 in April. 

     --The Watchers outlook index showed the sentiment outlook two to three

months ahead marked the fourth straight drop, down 2.8 points to 45.6 on the

back of weaker outlook for services, housing, eating and drinking items.

     --The Cabinet Office left its overall economic assessment based on the

Economy Watchers Survey, saying, "weakness is seen in the recovery."

     --"Looking ahead, there are concerns of uncertainty over the global

economy," the government said.

--MNI Tokyo Bureau; tel: +81 90-2175-0040; email: hiroshi.inoue@marketnews.com

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

[TOPICS: MAJDS$,M$A$$$,M$J$$$]