Japan's legislature passes law cementing male-only imperial succession

Japan's lower house voted on Friday to amend the Imperial House Law, reaffirming that only males in the paternal line may ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne. The changes also permit the adoption of distant male relatives to become future heirs and allow princesses to keep their royal status if they marry commoners.

Under the revised rules, the line of succession will pass from Emperor Naruhito to his younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino, and then to Akishino's 19-year-old son, Prince Hisahito. The emperor's 24-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, remains ineligible because the law bars women from the throne.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other conservative lawmakers argued that a male bloodline is essential for the emperor's authority. "It’s a declaration to prevent female monarchs ... and to defend the male-lineage at all costs," said Hideya Kawanishi, a monarchy expert at Nagoya University.

The legislation also addresses the shrinking size of the imperial family. Only five of the 16 adult members are men, and there are no children in the household. By allowing adoption of male descendants from former branch families—some of whom are 600 years removed from the current line—the government hopes to secure a pool of eligible heirs.

Critics, including feminist scholar Chizuko Ueno, contend that the measures reinforce gender discrimination and place undue pressure on female royals. Public opinion remains divided, with some citizens expressing support for a female successor, citing historical precedents of empresses.

The revisions come after a 2005 proposal to permit a female emperor was abandoned following Prince Hisahito's birth. The government says the changes aim to preserve the continuity of the monarchy while adapting to the country's aging population.