nhk world's tomoko kamata has the details. >> translator: opposition members like the social democrats previously had different opinions from the governing coalition, but they now say they're ready to agree on creating a special legal provision for the sake of unity. >> reporter: lawmakers have been discussing what can be done to address a video message emperor akihito gave last august. >> reporter: japanese law has no provision for the emperor to give up the throne. and the emperor's not supposed to be seen as interfering with politics. but prime minister shinzo abe took the hint. he asked diet members for a formal debate, indicating he wanted all parties to come to agreement. >> translator: this is a fundamental matter for japan, as well as an extraordinarily weighty issue across our long history and into the future. it must not be m made into a political issue. i believe politicians must demonstrate sound judgment. >> reporter: but the ruling and oppoposition parties started ou divided. the liberal democratic party and its coalition partner komeito said they wanted to draw up a one-

nhk world's tomoko kamata reports. >> reporter: the school operator spent thursday giving sworn testimony to both houses of japan's diet. he was summoned by lawmakers in an effort to clear the air surrounding a scandal that implicated the prime minister and other lawmakers. at the heart of the issue is this statement. >> translator: shehe took an envelope out of her bag and told me it was from prime minister shinzo abe. >> reporter: kogoike was referring to the prime minister's wife. he says she gave him a $9,000 donation on behalf of her husband. something shinzo abe says never happened. kogoike is the head of the educational group that teaches curriculum supportive of abe and his policies. lately it's been in the spotlight. the group made headlines when it was revealed that it purchased state-owned land in osaka for a fraction of its estimated value. the opposition cried foul and alleged political interference. the government says the price was appropriate. it was also revealed that abe was the honorary principal for a new school being built on the controversial land. she has since step