Japan enshrines in law male-only succession for its shrinking imperial family
Summary
Japan's parliament passed a law that allows only men from the father's side to become emperor. This decision raises worries because the imperial family is small and mostly female, including Emperor Naruhito's popular daughter, Princess Aiko, who cannot inherit the throne under the current rules.Key Facts
- Japan's parliament updated the Imperial House Law to allow only males from the paternal line to become emperor.
- The law permits adoption of distant male relatives to have future heirs.
- Princesses can keep their royal status after marrying commoners under the new law.
- Emperor Naruhito’s 24-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, is excluded from succession because she is female.
- The immediate line of succession includes Emperor Naruhito's younger brother and 19-year-old nephew, Prince Hisahito.
- Only five of the 16 adult members of Japan’s imperial family are men; there are no male children except Prince Hisahito.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and conservatives say only male blood holds the emperor’s authority.
- Some Japanese citizens and experts criticize the law for reinforcing a male-only system and excluding women, calling it a return to tradition rather than gender equality.
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