Japan’s Parliament Upholds Male-Only Succession for Imperial Throne
Japan’s Parliament voted on Friday to maintain a male-only line of succession for the imperial throne, a tradition that dates back around 1,500 years. This decision comes after lawmakers revised an Imperial House Law from the 1800s, despite concerns from experts about the future of Japan’s dwindling royal family.
In an effort to ensure there are enough heirs, the new rules permit distant male relatives to be adopted into the imperial family, allowing them to potentially father successors. However, the throne will remain limited to men with royal lineage. Additionally, the changes mean that princesses can keep their royal status even after marrying commoners.
This decision arrives as many in Japan have been calling for Princess Aiko, the 24-year-old daughter of Emperor Naruhito, to be considered for succession—a possibility that is now off the table.
A sushi chain owner, Junichiro Tsujimaru, expressed his view, saying, “The emperor is a symbolic figure, and I don’t see why women cannot serve in that role.”
Currently, the next in line is the emperor’s younger brother, followed by his 19-year-old nephew, Prince Hisahito, who is notably the only boy born into the royal family in the last 40 years. Among the 16 adults in the imperial family, only five are men.
Supporters of the current law, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, emphasize that maintaining a male bloodline is essential for the emperor’s authority and legitimacy.
Critics of the decision argue it reinforces outdated notions. Hideya Kawanishi, a monarchy specialist, stated, “This is a declaration to prevent female monarchs and to defend male lineage at all costs.” Prominent feminist Chizuko Ueno highlighted the irony that Japan’s first female prime minister is upholding these male-only traditions, referring to the rules as treating male royals as “stallions” while pressuring female royals to produce male heirs.
Throughout Japan’s history as a hereditary monarchy, there have been eight empresses from the male line. The last reigning empress was Go-Sakuramachi, who abdicated in favor of her nephew over 250 years ago.
The push for female succession was initially curtailed in 1890 with the original Imperial House Law, which continued into the modern regulations established in 1947. This legislation followed a pivotal moment in Japan’s history, as the new constitution limited the emperor’s governing power after World War II.
The imperial family, like Britain’s royal family, continues to hold significant importance as a national symbol in Japan.
