Emperor Akihito did not violate the Constitution when he said teachers and students should not be forced to sing the national anthem and pay homage to the flag, the top government spokesman said Friday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda tried to play down remarks made by the Emperor on Thursday, saying that he was merely talking "common sense" and was not making the kind of political comment that the Constitution prohibits.
"We believe that the Emperor made that remark while understanding well his position as the symbol" of the state and unity of the people, as defined by the Constitution, Hosoda said. He added his interpretation was based on the official view of the Imperial Household Agency.