Japan's parliament passes revisions to imperial succession law

Japan's upper house of parliament voted to approve amendments to the Imperial Household Law, following a similar vote in the lower house. The changes aim to address the shrinking size of the imperial family by permitting princesses to remain members after marrying commoners and by allowing the adoption of male-line descendants from former branches of the family. Adopted men would not be eligible for the throne themselves, but their male offspring could be.

The revisions come as the imperial family has only one young male heir, 19-year-old Prince Hisahito, nephew of Emperor Naruhito, prompting concerns about the line of succession. Critics argue the measures are intended to block the possibility of a future female emperor. Former diplomat Seiichiro Noboru said, "> the crucial point is that if a female emperor were recognized, we wouldn't need to resort to such a complex adoption line."

Public opinion polls have shown strong support for allowing a woman to ascend the throne, particularly for Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito's only child. However, Japan's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, expressed opposition, stating, "> 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."

Noboru also contended that excluding women from succession conflicts with constitutional guarantees against gender discrimination, adding, "> 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 emperor, a ceremonial figure, reiterated the need for public understanding of the reforms, saying, "> I hope the discussions about securing an adequate number of imperial family members can gain the understanding of the people."