Storm over Japanese PM's remarks

The new Japanese prime minister, Yoshiro Mori, has been strongly criticised for describing Japan as a divine country centred on the Emperor.

Mr Mori was addressing a meeting of politicians linked to the traditional Shinto religion, which was adopted by Japan's militaristic rulers in the first half of the twentieth century.

The leader of the opposition Democratic Party Yukio Hatoyama said the remarks were dangerous -- and an outright denial of the spirit of the constitution.

The Communist and Socialist parties called for Mr Mori to resign immediately.

The BBC Tokyo correspondent says Japan's Asian neighbours are also likely to be angered.

Mr Mori later said he had only meant that Japan's history and culture should be treasured. Analysts say Mr Mori may have been trying to woo support from religious groups in the run-up to a general election expected in late June.

Mr Mori took over as Japanese prime minister last month after Keizo Obuchi suffered a stroke.

Mr Obuchi died on Sunday.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service