Comments by Crown Prince Naruhito and his younger brother Prince Fumihito concerning Naruhito's wife Princess Masako caused quite a stir.

When Emperor Akihito mentioned in conversation at the official garden party in October that he was against forcing the Hinomaru flag and ``Kimigayo'' national anthem upon schools, the remark made headlines.

The emperor tends to incorporate his personal views when he speaks publicly. In 1989, he said, ``I wish to make an effort at abiding by the Constitution together with the people.'' The media interpreted the remark to mean ``in defense of the Constitution.''

In 2001, the emperor made reference to the notion that the mother of Emperor Kanmu, who reigned from 781 to 806, was of King Muryong's line. The king reigned over the Kingdom of Paekche, one of the three kingdoms of ancient Korea, from 501 to 523. The emperor said he, therefore, felt ``a kinship'' with Korea.

That comment also stirred controversy because of the widespread belief in ``Kokoku-shikan,'' that an unbroken line of emperors has reigned over this country. The notion is strongly supported by state Shintoism.

Without exception, these comments appear to have attracted attention only within the context of conflicting political views between those for and against defending the Constitution, Kokoku-shikan and the singing of ``Kimigayo'' in schools.

The comments of the crown prince and his younger brother are mostly talked about in a gossipy sort of way such as ``who bullied the crown princess?'' or ``how will the discord between the brothers proceed?''

Instead of gossiping about the family feud, we should take this opportunity to give serious thought to the emperor system.

First, how should we regard the emperor's political comments?

Take, for example, his remark about ``Kimigayo.'' Given that the Tokyo metropolitan government virtually forces teachers and students to sing the anthem and honor the national flag at official school functions, the comment was tantamount to saying the practice should stop. Thus, the comment was extremely political.

Personally, from the standpoint of the Constitution, I believe that even the emperor should be allowed to make political comments as long as his comments are made in a private capacity.

As it happens, some people attach huge importance to his utterings. As such, even comments of a personal nature can have major political impact.

For this reason, the emperor should refrain from making political comments, even in a private capacity. We should once again confirm this basic rule.

The second problem concerns the strengthening of the imperial family's authority.

Even now, some people are quick to take advantage of comments made by members of the imperial family. It helps them defend their own positions, regardless of their own political stand. This behavior naturally strengthens the authority of the imperial family. By the same token, it is also inappropriate for opponents of the practice to force the Hinomaru flag and ``Kimigayo'' anthem on schools to take advantage of the emperor's comment, thereby buttressing their own stand.

When the media reports quotes of the imperial family members, it uses honorific titles and language exclusively for them. The practice leaves people with the impression that members of the imperial family have a higher status than the prime minister.

Third, what is the official function of the emperor and the imperial family? Article 4 of the Constitution states: ``The emperor shall perform only such acts in matters of state as are provided for in this Constitution.'' Therefore, the hosting of garden parties and ``imperial family diplomacy'' are not part of their official duties prescribed by the Constitution. But actually, the framework of their official duties has expanded piecemeal to include ``public acts.''

In the past, there was a serious debate on whether to recognize the emperor's official visits overseas, which is not prescribed by the Constitution. But now, it seems to me that neither the media nor the crown prince think it strange if Crown Princess Masako makes official trips abroad.

There is no active debate on whether members of the imperial family actually have official duties. Assuming they do, do they have the power to choose their duties? This point also is worth seriously considering.

Behind this indifference lies growing public apathy toward problems that have to do with the emperor system itself. As a result, some people try to liken the imperial family to royal families of other countries. They also champion allowing women to ascend the throne. None of this is discussed in logical fashion.

The way the imperial family ought to be as portrayed when controversy erupts over various remarks is far removed from what the Constitution stipulates. It is time this society begins to actively debate what the emperor system means to us.

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The author is a professor of constitutional studies at Ryutsu Keizai University. He contributed this comment to The Asahi Shimbun.(IHT/Asahi: January 25,2005)