News Princess Aiko’s growing popularity sparks new debate on Japan’s male-only succession law

[thomas]

Princess Aiko celebrates her 24th birthday today. In Japan, she is often cheered like a pop star.

Photo credit: Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP and Asahi.

People close to the debate have been saying that her supporters hope to see Japan's male-only succession rule amended, since the current law prevents Aiko, the emperor's only child, from ever taking the throne. Their argument has been coloured by irritation that the issue has been left hanging for so long, as well as by a growing worry that the imperial line is running out of time. With the younger generation reduced to a single eligible heir — the emperor's teenage nephew — the future of the family looks increasingly fragile. Several specialists have warned that the ban on female succession needs to be reconsidered before the institution dwindles further, yet conservative politicians, among them PM Takaichi, continue to resist any move in that direction.

Aiko has gained admirers since debuting as an adult royal in 2021, when she impressed the public as intelligent, friendly, caring and funny. Support for Aiko as a future monarch increased following her first solo official overseas trip to Laos in November, representing the emperor. During the six-day visit, she met with top Laotian officials, visited cultural and historical venues and met with locals. Earlier this year, Aiko accompanied her parents to Nagasaki and Okinawa. She has followed the example set by her father, who places great importance on passing down the tragedy of WWII to younger generations. The princess' popularity has triggered some to pressure legislators to change the law. Cartoonist Yoshinori Kobayashi has written comic books that push for a legal change to allow Aiko to become monarch, which supporters keep sending to parliamentarians to raise awareness and get their backing for the cause. Others have set up YouTube channels and distributed leaflets to gain public attention on the issue.

In 2022, it was noted that a government-appointed panel dominated by conservative voices had recommended keeping the succession strictly in the male line, even as it suggested that women in the imperial family should be allowed to retain their status after marriage and continue their public duties. Those same advisers floated the idea of bringing in male heirs from long-extinct collateral branches to preserve the lineage. However, many regarded this proposal as detached from present-day realities.

Not long afterwards, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in Geneva urged Japan to pave the way for a female emperor, arguing that the current restriction worked against gender equality. Tokyo responded by describing the committee's view as both regrettable and misplaced, insisting that questions of imperial succession touched on the country's core national identity.

Princess Aiko’s popularity sparks calls to change Japan’s male-only succession law | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Japan Imperial Household Agency releases photos of rescue cats on Princess Aiko's birthday - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- The Imperial Household Agency released photos of rescue cats kept by the Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko to

mainichi.jp

 

[Achilles 1-1]

She technically wouldn't be Emperor, even if it was amended. More like, Empress, which doesn't roll off the tongue so easily. I know you all don't necessarily care for my opinion much, but whatever. I think they should keep in strictly male only. It's been like that ever since the first emperor. If they change that, thats just losing more history. Soon, with the way things are going with womens rights, male emperors may be a thing of the past. Theres a few reasons that just make sense. I did my research.

• Patrilineal Tradition: The imperial family is said to descend in an "unbroken male line" from Emperor Jimmu. Conservatives fear that allowing female emperors would break this symbolic continuity, undermining the legitimacy of the throne.
• Lineage Concerns: If a female emperor were to marry a commoner, her children would not carry the imperial family name under current law. Critics worry this could dilute or "end" the imperial bloodline as traditionally defined.
• Political Resistance: The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has factions that strongly oppose female succession. They argue that changing the law could alienate conservative supporters who see the monarchy as a sacred institution.
• Religious and Cultural Symbolism: Shintō traditions emphasize male succession as part of Japan's mythic heritage. Some scholars argue that shifting to female emperors would clash with these religious narratives, even though history shows Japan has had empresses before.
• Slippery Slope Fear: Critics worry that once female emperors are allowed, further reforms (like letting women retain imperial status after marriage or allowing their children to inherit) could follow, fundamentally reshaping the monarchy.

In the land of Ur_Fave_American, this is enough for me to veto woman being emperor. Nothing against woman, there's just no point in changing a tradition that dates back to Emperor Jimmu (Who was, very likely not real, but still) Its probably too late for Emperor Naruhito and his wife to have another child. For the sake of tradition, and to do what pretty much everyone else does, just give it to Crown Prince Fumihito. Or, if he for whatever reason cannot be given the crown, give it to Hisahito. Many people don't realize there is probably a reason why emperors are kept in the male line, even if they hold not political power. I don't even know the reason, but there must be one.

 

[mdchachi]

You didn't do a very good job of researching. First of all who cares what the word is in English. The Japanese word, 天皇陛下 (ten'nou heika) is gender neutral. "technically wouldn't be Emperor" is a ridiculous statement.

Secondly your logic is flawed considering there have already been female Emperors in the past.

Many people don't realize there is probably a reason why emperors are kept in the male line, even if they hold not political power. I don't even know the reason, but there must be one.

If you care to read a report by highly qualified Japanese people who have studied this issue far more deeply than you (and before you were born), it's here. It covers the reasons. Their conclusion is here:

Japan's system recognizing the Emperor as symbol of the state has, in the almost sixty years since the enactment of the present Constitution, firmly established itself as an institution that enjoys the support of much of populace. We have engaged in our deliberations in the belief that maintenance into the future of the Imperial institution ーwhich has been handed down uninterruptedly from ancient times on a hereditary basis ー is an issue of the highest importance; and that such is the wish of most Japanese. The system of Emperor as symbol of the state cannot survive without the understanding and support of the public. On that assumption we have, as noted at the beginning of this Report, calmly examined the system's development and the historical facts that form its backdrop, and analyzed the problem from a wide range of angles. As a result, we have concluded that in today's circumstances, when the Throne is denied to illegitimate sons and Japan's birthrate is falling, the stable maintenance of succession in the male line as has been the practice since ancient times will prove extremely difficult; therefore eligibility for the Throne must be extended to Imperial Family members who are female or of female lineage. While conscious of the weight attached to male succession through male lineage, which has after all continued since ancient times, and the public's varied sentiments with regard to tradition we have, over the course of our discussions, reached the unanimous conclusion that, in the interests of Japan's future, it is essential to open the way to a female Emperor or an Emperor of female lineage in order to ensure the stability of succession to the Throne, and that such a move would meet with the widespread approval of the Japanese public. During our deliberations we took account of a host of factors, including the possibility that a son might in future be born to the Imperial House; but in light of current social conditions, we judged that the conclusion unveiled herein represented the best choice in terms of what form the system of succession should take in the medium to long term. If, in accordance with the recommendations presented herein, a woman does ascend the Throne, that will be a first for modern Japan. We hope that all concerned will strive to ensure that the new system of Imperial succession functions smoothly. Succession to the Imperial Throne affects the country's very foundations, and its being left in a state of flux is hardly a desirable situation. Under the current system, whereby female Imperial Family members relinquish their Imperial status upon marriage, the number of Imperial Family members could become perilously few in the not too distant future. It would be wise to determine the people who are eligible to become future successors to the Throne as soon as possible. In light of these considerations, reforms to the system of Imperial succession will need to be implemented sooner rather than later. - 24 -It is our earnest hope that the Council's conclusion will win wide acceptance among the public and contribute to the stability of the Imperial succession.

 

[Achilles 1-1]

You didn't do a very good job of researching. First of all who cares what the word is in English. The Japanese word, 天皇陛下 (ten'nou heika) is gender neutral. "technically wouldn't be Emperor" is a ridiculous statement.

Secondly your logic is flawed considering there have already been female Emperors in the past.

Many people don't realize there is probably a reason why emperors are kept in the male line, even if they hold not political power. I don't even know the reason, but there must be one.

If you care to read a report by highly qualified Japanese people who have studied this issue far more deeply than you (and before you were born), it's here. It covers the reasons. Their conclusion is here:

天野陛下 translates to "His Majesty the Emperor". Is "His" not a gendered pronoun? Kōgō Heika would probably be a better fit for an empress. Since the Emperor of Japan is primarily a ceremonial thing, it shouldn't really be that big of a deal to pass it to his younger brother if he ends up with no male children. It's still the same family, and this sort of thing has happened in other places, notably Ancient Greece, even countries now, such as Bahrain. Ruining tradition is something that should not be called for unless destruction is imminent. There is, since the Emperor holds no political power, absolutely no benefit in having females gain the right to be Emperor. The biggest thing it might do is promote gender equality, which, PM Takaichi should already be representing gender equality, being the first female prime minister of Japan. Since there is no benefit, why should they change one of the oldest Imperial traditions on the planet for what, they don't want the Emperors brother to be the next Emperor? What's the problem with that? It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I fail to see any point in doing this. The Female rulers of Japan ruled because there simply was no male to succeed the throne at the time, or in at least one case, ruled until her grandson could take the throne. Just because highly qualified people come to that conclusion doesn't mean it makes sense. Mao Zedong came to the conclusion that China must be communist, was he correct? You are welcome to reply, in fact, I encourage it. But I will be saying no more of this topic until further announcements regarding it are made.

 

[mdchachi]

天野陛下 translates to "His Majesty the Emperor". Is "His" not a gendered pronoun?

That's because whoever translated that -- or wrote the dictionaries -- assumed the emperor is male. Look up the term in a Japanese dictionary. There is no intrinsic gender attached to the word. If there were a female Emperor, there would be no issue with regards to language in Japanese. How they decide to translate it into English is up to the media or whoever.
天野陛下 → Her Majesty the Emperor
天野陛下 → Her Majesty the Empress

The article I sent you addresses this "issue." Title is not an issue.

As for the titles Tennō (天皇, Emperor), Kōtaishi (皇太子, the Crown Prince if the child of the Emperor), and Kōtaison (皇太孫, the Crown Prince if the grandchild of the Emperor), these do not apply specifically to males: it is a matter of historical fact that women too have become Emperors and Kōtaishi. It would therefore be appropriate to use these same titles of women as well.

The report addresses all your questions. You don't have to agree with it but certainly you have the ability to understand their logic, if you take the time to read it. It makes perfect sense. It also makes perfect sense to come to a different conclusion because you would simply be weighting the priorities differently (valuing tradition over public opinion and direct blood descendants for example).

 

[Lothor]

天野陛下 translates to "His Majesty the Emperor". Is "His" not a gendered pronoun? Kōgō Heika would probably be a better fit for an empress. Since the Emperor of Japan is primarily a ceremonial thing, it shouldn't really be that big of a deal to pass it to his younger brother if he ends up with no male children. It's still the same family, and this sort of thing has happened in other places, notably Ancient Greece, even countries now, such as Bahrain. Ruining tradition is something that should not be called for unless destruction is imminent. There is, since the Emperor holds no political power, absolutely no benefit in having females gain the right to be Emperor. The biggest thing it might do is promote gender equality, which, PM Takaichi should already be representing gender equality, being the first female prime minister of Japan. Since there is no benefit, why should they change one of the oldest Imperial traditions on the planet for what, they don't want the Emperors brother to be the next Emperor? What's the problem with that? It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I fail to see any point in doing this. The Female rulers of Japan ruled because there simply was no male to succeed the throne at the time, or in at least one case, ruled until her grandson could take the throne. Just because highly qualified people come to that conclusion doesn't mean it makes sense. Mao Zedong came to the conclusion that China must be communist, was he correct? You are welcome to reply, in fact, I encourage it. But I will be saying no more of this topic until further announcements regarding it are made.

'Just because highly qualified people ...'. That says it all really. The good thing about highly qualified people is that they don't make basic mistakes like saying there have been no female emperors, as you did in your first post. Or were you arguing in bad faith, not stating a fact that would demolish your argument in the hope that nobody would notice?

And why all this time and energy to argue against something that hardly concerns you, evoking the sacredness of 'tradition'? (Where people choose to devote their energies reveals a lot about them.) Some traditions are worth keeping, some aren't - tradition is not something that is inherently good. And how come you have developed this extraordinarily stuffy attitude towards tradition at the age of 16 (?). Are you not getting out enough with people your own age, goofing around, and having fun? I hope you are.

There's a depressing species of white man (nearly always American) who noisily pontificates in Facebook comments on how Japan should be (usually some unpleasant vision of 'racial purity') despite having almost no connection to the country. Don't become like that, please.

 

[Achilles 1-1]

'Just because highly qualified people ...'. That says it all really. The good thing about highly qualified people is that they don't make basic mistakes like saying there have been no female emperors, as you did in your first post. Or were you arguing in bad faith, not stating a fact that would demolish your argument in the hope that nobody would notice?

And why all this time and energy to argue against something that hardly concerns you, evoking the sacredness of 'tradition'? (Where people choose to devote their energies reveals a lot about them.) Some traditions are worth keeping, some aren't - tradition is not something that is inherently good. And how come you have developed this extraordinarily stuffy attitude towards tradition at the age of 16 (?). Are you not getting out enough with people your own age, goofing around, and having fun? I hope you are.

There's a depressing species of white man (nearly always American) who noisily pontificates in Facebook comments on how Japan should be (usually some unpleasant vision of 'racial purity') despite having almost no connection to the country. Don't become like that, please.

To answer that question, in July, i got into an argument with my dad. Since then i have been banned from using my phone, listening to music, and watching tv. Where i devote my energies, believe it or not, is learning the solos of quite possibly the coolest resident in Japan, Marty Friedman, who is currently the Ambassador of Japan Heritge. Check out tornado of souls of symphony of destruction if you don't believe me. IRL, im an avid, intermediate guitarist who's obsessed with metal. I also learn Black Sabbath, Metallica, and am currently putting a bit more effort into my violin, while also improving my guitar skills. Plus, I don't turn 16 for three months. I almost never have fun, (for me, a genuine smile is a rarity), I cant goof around because it'll come back to my parents and ill get into far more trouble than my siblings would, and I can only hang out with friends outside of school maybe once or twice every two months or so. I cant even hang out with my Girlfriend because im technically not supposed to date, but I have a girlfriend because she's someone I genuinely love and can talk too (unlike my parents, on the latter part.)

 

[thomas]

Back on topic. We have an article on the history of Japan's empresses:

History  Article 'Josei tennō: Japan's empresses regnant'

Eight women have ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne throughout Japanese imperial history across ten distinct reigns. These reigning empresses, referred to as josei tennō (女性天皇, "female emperor"), inherited the kōi (皇位, "imperial position") during exceptional periods—typically when no suitable...

• JREF
• 25 May 2025
• Updated 5 Jul 2026
• 17 min read
• Reaction score: 2
• Category: History

I asked ChatGPT what would happen if Japan didn't allow female imperial succession. I find 4) and 7) particularly interesting.

1. The male line will continue shrinking and eventually reach a breaking point: Japan currently has extremely few eligible male heirs under the 1947 Imperial House Law. The line now depends almost entirely on one younger prince, Hisahito (born 2006). If he were to have no sons—or if his hypothetical son had no sons—the male line would collapse. Scholars often warn that continuing the male-only rule is effectively a slow countdown: the family could reach a point where no qualifying male heir remains, leaving the government with a constitutional crisis that the current law cannot resolve.
   
2. The Imperial Household could face a legitimacy crisis: If the line narrows to a single individual, every unexpected event—illness, accident, early death—takes on enormous political weight. Commentators have noted that it would place unreasonable pressure on one minor (Prince Hisahito) and, later, on his future family. A monarchy that cannot secure its own continuity risks appearing fragile, and there is concern that this would weaken the symbolic authority on which the post-war constitution depends.
   
3. Married princesses will continue leaving the Imperial Family: Under the current system, women lose imperial status upon marriage, thereby steadily reducing the number of working royals and increasing the burden on those who remain. If female succession continues to be prohibited, nothing prevents the household from shrinking further until it becomes too small to fulfil its symbolic duties—public ceremonies, regional visits, diplomacy, religious rites at the palace shrines, and so on. This is already happening: the number of active adult royals is historically low.
   
4. Public opinion will drift further away from government policy: Surveys conducted over nearly two decades show a substantial majority support for female emperors, often around 70–80 per cent. If the government continues to resist reform, the gap between popular will and official policy widens. A throne sustained by public respect could be rattled if citizens begin to feel that the rules no longer align with contemporary society's values.
   
5. Japan could face a constitutional dilemma: If the male line ends, the government would be forced to choose between:
   • Recognising a female emperor
   • Reviving former collateral branches abolished in 1947
   • Creating a new legal mechanism from scratch
   Each option comes with political and legal complications. The worst-case scenario—having no eligible successor under existing law—would leave the constitution silent on how to proceed.
   
6. An international comparison would make Japan appear unusually rigid: Japan is one of the very few modern constitutional monarchies that still forbids female succession. In contrast:
   • Britain
   • Sweden
   • the Netherlands
   • Belgium
   • Spain (restricted but under debate)
   have either fully adopted or seriously considered gender-neutral succession. If Japan does nothing, the contrast becomes sharper, and the debate will feel increasingly out of step with global norms.
   
7. The Imperial Family risks becoming symbolically disconnected from the nation it represents: Modern scholarship often notes that the survival of a symbolic monarchy depends on resonance with the society around it. If women, who make up half the population, remain barred from the throne purely based on sex, younger generations may begin to view the institution as outdated rather than sacred. The irony is that Japan has had reigning empresses in the past, which strengthens the argument that the restriction is modern, not traditional.

 

[Lothor]

Back on topic. We have an article on the history of Japan's empresses:

History  Article 'Josei tennō: Japan's empresses regnant'

Eight women have ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne throughout Japanese imperial history across ten distinct reigns. These reigning empresses, referred to as josei tennō (女性天皇, "female emperor"), inherited the kōi (皇位, "imperial position") during exceptional periods—typically when no suitable...

• JREF
• 25 May 2025
• Updated 5 Jul 2026
• 17 min read
• Reaction score: 2
• Category: History

I asked ChatGPT what would happen if Japan didn't allow female imperial succession. I find 4) and 7) particularly interesting.

1. The male line will continue shrinking and eventually reach a breaking point: Japan currently has extremely few eligible male heirs under the 1947 Imperial House Law. The line now depends almost entirely on one younger prince, Hisahito (born 2006). If he were to have no sons—or if his hypothetical son had no sons—the male line would collapse. Scholars often warn that continuing the male-only rule is effectively a slow countdown: the family could reach a point where no qualifying male heir remains, leaving the government with a constitutional crisis that the current law cannot resolve.
2. The Imperial Household could face a legitimacy crisis: If the line narrows to a single individual, every unexpected event—illness, accident, early death—takes on enormous political weight. Commentators have noted that it would place unreasonable pressure on one minor (Prince Hisahito) and, later, on his future family. A monarchy that cannot secure its own continuity risks appearing fragile, and there is concern that this would weaken the symbolic authority on which the post-war constitution depends.
3. Married princesses will continue leaving the Imperial Family: Under the current system, women lose imperial status upon marriage, thereby steadily reducing the number of working royals and increasing the burden on those who remain. If female succession continues to be prohibited, nothing prevents the household from shrinking further until it becomes too small to fulfil its symbolic duties—public ceremonies, regional visits, diplomacy, religious rites at the palace shrines, and so on. This is already happening: the number of active adult royals is historically low.
4. Public opinion will drift further away from government policy: Surveys conducted over nearly two decades show a substantial majority support for female emperors, often around 70–80 per cent. If the government continues to resist reform, the gap between popular will and official policy widens. A throne sustained by public respect could be rattled if citizens begin to feel that the rules no longer align with contemporary society's values.
5. Japan could face a constitutional dilemma: If the male line ends, the government would be forced to choose between:
   • Recognising a female emperor
   • Reviving former collateral branches abolished in 1947
   • Creating a new legal mechanism from scratch
   Each option comes with political and legal complications. The worst-case scenario—having no eligible successor under existing law—would leave the constitution silent on how to proceed.
6. An international comparison would make Japan appear unusually rigid: Japan is one of the very few modern constitutional monarchies that still forbids female succession. In contrast:
   • Britain
   • Sweden
   • the Netherlands
   • Belgium
   • Spain (restricted but under debate)
   have either fully adopted or seriously considered gender-neutral succession. If Japan does nothing, the contrast becomes sharper, and the debate will feel increasingly out of step with global norms.
7. The Imperial Family risks becoming symbolically disconnected from the nation it represents: Modern scholarship often notes that the survival of a symbolic monarchy depends on resonance with the society around it. If women, who make up half the population, remain barred from the throne purely based on sex, younger generations may begin to view the institution as outdated rather than sacred. The irony is that Japan has had reigning empresses in the past, which strengthens the argument that the restriction is modern, not traditional.

Points 4 and 7 are interesting, though the Japanese government has rarely taken public opinion into account when it has an unpopular stance or policy, and if the British royals can survive countless scandals, the almost scandal-free Japanese ones can. Actually, something I like about the Japanese royals is that they put the work in. I've seen for myself how in the UK, royal patronage and treats by the establishment (visits to the palace, lower-level gongs such as MBEs, etc.) can help smooth a lot of dull but very worthy voluntary work. In the UK, the younger royals (William, Harry, etc.) are more interested in their more sexy projects than in, say, horse riding for disabled people (a disabled schoolfriend met Princess Anne as a kid and has been a staunch royalist since). At the moment, 65% of people in the UK are in favour of the monarchy, but the figure is only 42% among young adults, and I expect those figures to decrease in the future. UK support for monarchy by age 2025| Statista

 

[Lothor]

To answer that question, in July, i got into an argument with my dad. Since then i have been banned from using my phone, listening to music, and watching tv. Where i devote my energies, believe it or not, is learning the solos of quite possibly the coolest resident in Japan, Marty Friedman, who is currently the Ambassador of Japan Heritge. Check out tornado of souls of symphony of destruction if you don't believe me. IRL, im an avid, intermediate guitarist who's obsessed with metal. I also learn Black Sabbath, Metallica, and am currently putting a bit more effort into my violin, while also improving my guitar skills. Plus, I don't turn 16 for three months. I almost never have fun, (for me, a genuine smile is a rarity), I cant goof around because it'll come back to my parents and ill get into far more trouble than my siblings would, and I can only hang out with friends outside of school maybe once or twice every two months or so. I cant even hang out with my Girlfriend because im technically not supposed to date, but I have a girlfriend because she's someone I genuinely love and can talk too (unlike my parents, on the latter part.)

Thanks for the honest answer. I've replied by private message.

 

[Ukigumo]

Perhaps an Empress would help rebalance the patriarchal society that is Japan. A long and severe episode of very cold weather might be quicker and more effective at achieving that, however.

(That's a joke, albeit in questionable taste)

 

[thomas]

Japan's Lower House speaker urged the political parties to pass a revision of the Imperial House Law in the current Diet session, which ends on 17 July, to help secure a stable line of succession. Eisuke Mori said he hoped to move quickly, but admitted positions across parties were still far apart. He also asked for cooperation.

One sticking point is the Centrist Reform Alliance, the largest opposition bloc in the Lower House. It has not settled its own position. The party, formed in January from members of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, remains divided. Mori said he asked the party to decide within about a month. Another round of talks is expected after that, once its stance is clearer.

"The historical fact that the imperial lineage has been succeeded through the paternal line is the source of the emperor's authority and legitimacy," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at the LDP party convention on April 12. However, the second proposal faces objections on the grounds that the 11 former imperial branch families, which are envisioned as adoption candidates, left the imperial family in 1947 and their descendants have since been born and raised as ordinary citizens.

The imperial family consists of 16 members, five men and 11 women. After the war, it was at its largest in 1994 with 26 members. Prince Hisahito, 19, is the sole member eligible to succeed to the imperial throne in the next generation.

Parties urged to revise imperial law before Diet closes in July | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[thomas]

Last Wednesday, JT had an interesting commentary on why Princess Aiko will ever become empress.

What surprised me in Takaharo Kanako's piece was that she clearly expressed how unpopular the family of Crown Prince Akishino has become:

In recent years, however, Crown Prince Akishino's family has become increasingly unpopular over questions about their character, fueling the debate for Princess Aiko to become the empress. Controversy arose over then-Princess Mako's marriage in 2021 to her college sweetheart Kei Komuro, whose mother had financial problems with her former fiance. The family was also harshly criticized for breaking with imperial tradition and not having the prince and princesses attend a Gakushuin University-related school from grade school through university. The crown prince said in 2024 that online posts criticizing his family felt like bullying.

And:

With lawmakers avoiding discussions on imperial succession, there is no prospect for Japan to have a reigning empress anytime soon. But Kawanishi of Nagoya University questions the sustainability of the current system. "If Japan doesn't change the system now, it will forever need a male offspring from the male line," he said. "Considering the pressure then-Crown Princess Masako bore (to give birth to a male heir), future generations will go through something similar unless we change it to allow both male and female heirs to succeed the throne. "The imperial family has changed with time, for instance, allowing a commoner to marry the crown prince, and changing the role of the emperor in society," said Kawanishi. "Politicians need to keep in mind that being too adamant in maintaining the current system may cause the imperial family, itself, to lose support from the public."

Why Princess Aiko won’t ascend the chrysanthemum throne

The princess has proven to be popular in Japan, but politicians, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, are dragging their feet when it comes to changing the succession law.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[Lothor]

Last Wednesday, JT had an interesting commentary on why Princess Aiko will ever become empress.

What surprised me in Takaharo Kanako's piece was that she clearly expressed how unpopular the family of Crown Prince Akishino has become:



And:

Why Princess Aiko won’t ascend the chrysanthemum throne

The princess has proven to be popular in Japan, but politicians, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, are dragging their feet when it comes to changing the succession law.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Criticising a family for the school they choose for their children? That's rather mean-spirited.

 

[thomas]

81% of Japanese people are in favour of having a female Emperor.

​

 

[Ukigumo]

Since Japan isn't a democracy, the opinions of those 81% matters not a jot!

 

[thomas]

The Daily Shincho asked why Aso Taro pushed so hard to revise the Imperial Succession Law.

What motivated former Prime Minister Tarō Asō to push so strongly for the latest revision remains unclear. As chairman of the LDP's panel on securing a stable imperial succession, he had repeatedly called for amendments to the Imperial House Law (皇室典範), but never clearly explained why he believed the issue had become so urgent.

Some within the party believe the effort reflected a long-held personal commitment. Asō's younger sister is Princess Nobuko of Mikasa, and people close to the issue have suggested he has a deep personal interest in preserving the imperial line. Others offer a simpler explanation: with Asō turning 86 in September, he may have wanted to leave a political legacy. Some LDP insiders say he hoped to be remembered for achieving reforms to both the Imperial House Law and the Constitution—major goals that eluded him during his own premiership.

Even so, many of Japan's leading newspapers have criticised the way the amendment was pushed through, and the move has done little to boost public support for the government. Whether Asō's late political push will be remembered as decisive leadership or an overreach remains an open question.

Translated from here:

皇室典範改正にフルスロットルで突っ走った「麻生氏」のモチベーションはどこにあったのか | デイリー新潮

皇族数の確保に向けた改正皇室典範が成立した。今国会での成立をリードしたのは自民党の麻生太郎副総裁だった。…

www.dailyshincho.jp

 

[Ukigumo]

Isn't this simply sexism? Since there's been an Empress in Japan in the past, there is no spiritual or moral reason to forbid female ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

 

[thomas]

Strict agnatic succession was not an ancient constitutional principle but codified in the Meiji-era Imperial House Law. Before that, imperial succession was based on custom and political consensus. To this day, many of the strongest defenders of that Meiji framework come from political dynasties with roots in the former Satsuma and Chōshū domains, including ultraconservative hardliners such as Asō Tarō and the late Abe Shinzō.

Empresses had always been on an interim assignment.

 

[Ukigumo]

Isn't Amaterasu Ōmikami female?

 

[mdchachi]

For a deep dive, this report covers the whole issue in depth. At least as of 20 years ago.

https://japan.kantei.go.jp/policy/koshitsu/051124_e.pdf