9 months ago
Japan Debates Changing Male-Only Succession Law
Princess Aiko is the only child of Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
She is very popular and many people want her to become the next emperor.
However, Japan's laws only allow men to be emperors.
This means Aiko cannot become emperor, even though she is very well-liked and good at her official duties.
Some people think the laws should be changed to allow women to be emperors, but others disagree.
The monarchy is getting smaller and older, and there are not many male heirs left.
This makes the debate about changing the laws even more important.
Princess Aiko has been doing official duties and working with the Red Cross Society.
She also enjoys playing sports like volleyball, tennis, and badminton.
The United Nations has said Japan should allow female emperors, but Japan has said no.
The future of the monarchy depends on whether the laws change or not.
Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito, is popular and many supporters want her to become monarch despite Japan's male-only succession law.
Japan's monarchy is shrinking, with only 16 members and limited male heirs, raising concerns about its future.
Conservative lawmakers, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, oppose changing the succession law to allow female monarchs.
Princess Aiko has gained admiration for her intelligence, friendliness, and official duties, including a solo trip to Laos.
The United Nations women’s rights committee has urged Japan to allow a female emperor, but Japan dismissed the report.
- Who
- Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Prince Hisahito
- What
- Debate over Japan's male-only succession law and the potential for Princess Aiko to become monarch
- Where
- Japan, with discussions involving the government and the United Nations
- When
- As of Princess Aiko's 24th birthday on December 1, 2025
- Why
- Japan's shrinking monarchy and the lack of male heirs have sparked discussions about changing the succession laws to allow female monarchs
Key facts
- Name
- Princess Aiko
- Age
- 24
- Parents
- Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako
- Current Status
- Only child of Emperor Naruhito, ineligible for succession under current laws
- Education
- Graduated from Gakushuin University in 2024
- Official Duties
- Represents the emperor, works at the Red Cross Society
- Hobbies
- Volleyball, tennis, badminton
- Potential Heirs
- Prince Hisahito (19), Crown Prince Akishino (60)
Quotes
Hideya Kawanishi
A Nagoya University professor and expert on monarchy
“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.”
NDTV
“Though it's not spelled out, what they're saying is clearly in favor of male superiority. That's their ideal society.”
NDTV
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.”
NDTV
Mari Maehira
A 58-year-old office worker
“Now we want to see her become a future monarch.”
NDTV
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.”
NDTV
Crown Prince Akishino
Emperor Naruhito's younger brother and a potential heir
“But nothing can be done under the current system. I think all we can do right now is to scale back our official duties.”
NDTV
Princess Aiko
The emperor's only child and a potential future monarch
“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.”
NDTV
