Tokyo [Japan], July 18 – Japan’s parliament on Friday approved sweeping revisions to the Imperial House Law reinforcing the country’s male-only imperial succession system despite growing concern over the shrinking size of the royal family and renewed calls to allow women to ascend the throne.
The amendments permit the adoption of distant paternal-line male relatives into the imperial family to help secure future heirs and allow princesses to retain their royal status after marrying commoners. However only men descended through the male bloodline remain eligible to become emperor.
The changes come as the 1,500-year-old monarchy faces an uncertain future. Emperor Naruhito has no male children and his only child princess Aiko, remains barred from succession because she is a woman. Under current rules the throne will pass to Naruhito’s younger brother crown prince Akishino and then to Akishino’s 19-year-old son prince Hisahito.
Supporters of the legislation argue that preserving the paternal bloodline is essential to maintain the legitimacy of the imperial institution. Critics however say the reforms strengthen a patriarchal system while ignoring widespread public support for allowing female emperors.
The legislation has also sparked criticism from academics, former royals and women’s rights advocates who argue that adopting distant male relatives instead of permitting female succession threatens the monarchy’s long-term stability.
Japan has had eight female monarchs in its history but the male-only succession principle was formally codified in the 1890 Imperial House Law and retained in post-war legislation enacted in 1947.
