Japan has approved changes to its imperial family law, but one major question remains unanswered: can women ever become emperor?
The upper house of parliament passed the revised law soon after the lower house approved it. The changes aim to address the declining number of imperial family members and help maintain royal duties. However, critics say the reform keeps the long-standing ban on female succession.
The issue has gained public attention because it affects Japan’s historic monarchy, public views, constitutional values, and the future of the imperial family. As a result, the debate over female succession continues across the country.
What the New Law Changes
Instagram | japandaily_jp | Japan has passed a revised law aimed at preserving the size of its shrinking, aging imperial family.
Japan’s upper house of parliament passed the revised law after the lower house approved it. The main goal is to maintain the imperial family’s size as members grow older and fewer young royals remain.
The changes allow princesses to stay in the imperial family after marrying commoners. They can continue their official duties and represent the monarchy in public events. However, they still cannot become emperor.
The law also allows the imperial family to adopt male-line descendants from former royal branches. These adopted men cannot inherit the throne because they were born outside the imperial family. Their future male children, however, could become eligible under the current rules.
Critics say the reform avoids the larger issue of female succession. They argue that allowing women to inherit the throne would offer a simpler solution.
Why the Debate Continues
Former Japanese diplomat Seiichiro Noboru, who has ties to the imperial family, says the revisions have "a very clear objective: to prevent the future emergence of a female emperor."
Noboru believes that allowing a female emperor would remove the need for the complex adoption system created under the new law. He also says the current approach goes against public opinion and Japan’s constitutional values.
He stated, "What the government is attempting to do clearly runs counter to public opinion. Article 1 of the Japanese Constitution states that the Emperor is the symbol of the nation and that his position is determined by the will of the people."
The debate has gained political attention as Japan expands its international security role. The country also aims to maintain its image as a supporter of a rules-based international order.
Princess Aiko and Public Opinion
Much of the public discussion centers on Princess Aiko, the 24-year-old only child of Emperor Naruhito. A graduate in Japanese literature, Princess Aiko now works full-time for the Japanese Red Cross Society. Large crowds regularly attend her public appearances, reflecting her popularity across the country.
According to Noboru, surveys consistently show that 60% to 90% of Japanese citizens support allowing a female emperor, and Princess Aiko's popularity has strengthened that position.
Not everyone agrees. Sanae Takaichi, who could become Japan's first female prime minister, has openly defended the current succession system.
She told a party convention in April, "The unparalleled historic fact that the imperial line has been maintained through the male line for 126 generations is the foundation of the emperor's authority and legitimacy."
At present, the imperial family's only young male heir is 19-year-old Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, who is 66 years old. His position has increased concerns about the monarchy's long-term future.
How Male-Only Succession Began
Instagram | princessaikoofjapan | Princess Aiko’s immense popularity strongly bolsters Japanese public support for a female emperor.
Japan's history includes eight female emperors over nearly twelve centuries. Each was descended through the male imperial line, making Princess Aiko historically comparable in terms of ancestry.
The practice of excluding women from succession began in 1889, when the Meiji government introduced the first Imperial Household Law.
At that time, emperors were viewed as commanders of imperial armies, heads of the national family-state, and descendants of Shinto deities. Women held few legal rights under the Meiji Civil Code. Married women could not own property independently or sign contracts without their husbands' approval.
The Meiji government also relied on concubines to maintain the imperial bloodline. High infertility rates, infant deaths, and maternal mortality often limited the number of surviving male heirs. A 2005 government advisory panel reported that nearly half of Japan’s 125 emperors were born to concubines, describing them as being "of illegitimate descent."
What Lies Ahead
The revised law may help Japan maintain the number of active royal family members, but it does not solve the succession debate. Many citizens continue to question why women cannot inherit the throne.
Even Emperor Naruhito addressed the issue carefully. As a symbolic figure, he cannot take part in political decisions. During a recent press conference, he said, "I hope the discussions about securing an adequate number of imperial family members can gain the understanding of the people."
Japan’s monarchy now faces a major decision about its future. The latest reform protects the current system, but the debate over female emperors continues. As public support for change grows, the question of women’s place in royal succession remains one of Japan’s most discussed issues.
