TOKYO, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Japan’s exports rose 26.2% in August from a year earlier, Ministry of Finance (MOF) data showed on Thursday. The rise compares with a 34.0% increase expected by economist in a Reuters poll, and follows growth of 37.0% in July. August imports rose 44.7% year-on-year, versus the median estimate for a 40.0% increase. The trade balance came to a deficit of 635.4 billion yen ($5.81 billion), versus a median estimate for a 47.7 billion yen deficit. To view full tables, go to the MOF website at: here