US EditionPrincess Aiko’s Popularity Sparks Calls to Change Japan’s Male-only Succession Law
Supporters cite Princess Aiko’s popularity and the shrinking imperial family of 16 members as reasons to end male-only succession under stalled parliamentary debate.
- As she turns 24 on Monday, supporters are pressing lawmakers to change Japan's male-only succession law, citing Princess Aiko's popularity and public campaigns for reform.
- Japan's shrinking Imperial Family has 16 members, down from 30 three decades ago, with Naruhito having only two male heirs, Crown Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito.
- Princess Aiko is often cheered like a pop star, with supporters sending Yoshinori Kobayashi's comic books to parliamentarians and using YouTube channels and leaflets to lobby lawmakers.
- Experts warn the female ban should be lifted before the monarchy dwindles, but conservative lawmakers including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi oppose change, while former officials say Prince Hisahito faces enormous pressure alone this year.
- Past reform efforts—including a 2005 proposal to allow a female monarch—stalled after Hisahito's birth, with the 1889 male-only succession rule carried into the 1947 Imperial House Law.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Japanese Princess Aiko has turned 24. The only daughter of the Japanese emperor, who is very popular among the population, is not allowed to take over the leadership of the monarchy because she is a woman, and many want this conservative rule to change.
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Princess Aiko’s popularity sparks calls to change Japan’s male-only succession law
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s beloved Princess Aiko is often cheered like a pop star. During a visit to Nagasaki with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako…
Princess Aiko’s 24th Birthday Fuels Urgent Calls To Reform Japan’s Male-Only Imperial Succession Law
Japan’s Princess Aiko, the beloved daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is celebrating her 24th birthday on Monday, December 1, against a backdrop of increasing public support for her to ascend the throne. The widespread adoration for the Princess—who is often cheered like a “pop star”—has revitalized the stalled political debate over reforming the antiquated Imperial House Law. During a recent visit to Nagasaki with her parents, the…
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