Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed regret that his wife at one time served as the honorary principal of an elementary school related to the controversial sale of state-owned land. But he reiterated that his wife was never involved in the land deal.
At an Upper House committee meeting on Monday, opposition parties continued to grill Abe, saying that Akie Abe apparently influenced the land deal procedures.
A Japanese Communist Party member pointed out that Abe's wife was fully aware of her influence on the school operator's negotiations with state officials over the deal.
Abe replied that he understands his wife's position as honorary principal may have boosted the standing of the planned school. He said he believes his wife also understands that.
After expressing regret that his wife took up the post, Abe stressed she was only an honorary principal and was not involved in the land deal.
He added that his wife serves in a similar role at many other schools, but has never influenced administrative procedures.
