9 months ago
Princess Aiko's Popularity Fuels Debate on Japan's Male-Only Succession Law
Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito, is very popular in Japan.
Many people want her to become the next emperor, but Japan's laws say only men can be emperors.
This law has been in place since 1889, but before that, there were female emperors.
Now, there are very few male heirs left in the royal family, which is causing worry.
Some people think the law should be changed to allow Aiko to be emperor, but others, including some lawmakers, disagree.
The United Nations has also said Japan should allow a female emperor to promote gender equality.
The debate continues as people discuss how to save the monarchy.
Princess Aiko's popularity has sparked calls to change Japan's male-only succession law.
Japan's monarchy is shrinking, with only 16 members and few male heirs.
Conservative lawmakers, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, oppose changing the law.
The United Nations women's rights committee has urged Japan to allow a female emperor.
Experts warn that the monarchy could die out if the succession law is not changed.
- Who
- Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Prince Hisahito, Japanese public, conservative lawmakers
- What
- Debate on changing Japan's male-only succession law to allow Princess Aiko to become emperor
- Where
- Japan, specifically Nagasaki and Tokyo
- When
- As Princess Aiko turns 24 on December 1, 2024
- Why
- To prevent the extinction of Japan's monarchy and address gender equality concerns
Key facts
- Princess Aiko's Age
- 24 years old
- Current Emperor
- Naruhito
- Potential Male Heirs
- Crown Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito
- Number of Imperial Family Members
- 16
- Last Female Emperor
- Gosakuramachi (1762-1770)
- Year Male-Only Succession Law Enacted
- 1889
- UN Women's Rights Committee Stance
- Urged Japan to allow female emperor
- Conservative Proposal
- Adopt male descendants from defunct royal branches
Quotes
Hideya Kawanishi
A Nagoya University professor and expert on monarchy
“I think the situation is already critical. Who wants to marry him? If anyone does, she would endure enormous pressure to produce a male heir while performing official duties at a superhuman capacity.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Though it’s not spelled out, what they’re saying is clearly in favor of male superiority. That’s their ideal society.”
deccanchronicle.com
Setsuko Matsuo
An 82-year-old atomic bombing survivor
“I have always been rooting for Princess Aiko to be crowned. I like everything about her, especially her smile ... so comforting.”
deccanchronicle.com
Mari Maehira
A 58-year-old office worker
“Now we want to see her become a future monarch.”
deccanchronicle.com
Ikuko Yamazaki
A 62-year-old social media advocate
“The succession system conveys the Japanese mindset regarding gender issues. I expect having a female monarch would dramatically improve women’s status in Japan.”
deccanchronicle.com
Crown Prince Akishino
Emperor Naruhito's younger brother and 60-year-old crown prince
“I think all we can do right now is to scale back our official duties.”
deccanchronicle.com
Princess Aiko
The only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako
“Under the circumstances, I hope to sincerely serve every official duty and help the emperor and the empress, as well as other members of the Imperial Family.”
deccanchronicle.com
Shingo Haketa
Former Imperial Household Agency chief
“The fundamental question is not whether to allow a male or female succession line but how to save the monarchy.”
deccanchronicle.com
