Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori apologized once more Friday for having caused a misunderstanding with his remark that Japan is "a divine nation centering on the Emperor," but he refused to withdraw it. "I deeply reflect upon and apologize that my comment has caused misunderstanding among many people," Mori said during a specially arranged press conference.

But he did not retract the comment, saying that his remark had been misunderstood by the public.

"I did not mean to say the Emperor is a god. I personally do not have such a belief," Mori said.