[0] Mori hopes to end controversy.

Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori's decision to publicly explain what he meant by his controversial "divine nation" remark reportedly represents an effort to alleviate fears among government officials that the remark could adversely affect the ruling parties in the upcoming general elections. to the ongoing controversy so he can concentrate on preparing the ruling bloc for the House of Representatives election. However, he could end up adding fuel to the fire if he fails to adequately answer reporters' questions about the remark, which is to be the subject of a forthcoming press conference, observers said.

On Wednesday, Shin Sakurai, acting chairman of the Liberal …