Japan revises law to ensure supply of (male) heirs to the imperial throne

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Asia Japan revises law to ensure supply of (male) heirs to the imperial throne July 17, 20261:29 AM ET Anthony Kuhn Japan's Emperor Naruhito leaves following a ceremony to proclaim his enthronement to the world at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in 2019. Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty hide caption toggle caption Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Japan's upper house of parliament has voted to pass controversial revisions to a law governing who can inherit the throne in the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy, just days after the lower house of parliament voted it through. The revision's stated aim is to secure the number of imperial family members, and maintain their public duties and activities, as the family's ranks dwindle and age.

But to critics, the revision has another "very clear objective: to prevent the future emergence of a female emperor," says Seiichiro Noboru, a former Japanese diplomat with ties to the imperial family. Sponsor Message Public support and the political stability of Japan's constitutional monarchy matter, as the country casts off post-war restraints on its military, and portrays itself as a reliable defender of a rules-based international order. The revisions allow princesses to remain in the imperial family after they marry a commoner.

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It also allows the imperial family to adopt male-line descendants from former branches of the imperial family. Enlarge this image Japan's Emperor Naruhito leaves following a ceremony to proclaim his enthronement to the world at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in 2019. Issei Kato/Pool/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Issei Kato/Pool/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Japan's Emperor Naruhito leaves following a ceremony to proclaim his enthronement to the world at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in 2019.

Issei Kato/Pool/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Princesses would be allowed to remain the royal family after marriage, but would have to perform royal duties without any chance of inheriting the throne. The adopted men—having been born as commoners—could not inherit the throne either, but any of their future male offspring would be eligible. The imperial family is down to its last young heir, 19-year-old Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, who is 66.

This has led to a public sense of crisis about the future of the imperial family. "The crucial point is that if a female emperor were recognized, we wouldn't need to resort to such a complex adoption line," argues Noboru. PRINCESS'S POPULARITY DRIVES SUPPORT FOR REFORMS The obvious candidate is Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito's 24-year-old only child.

She has a degree in Japanese literature, and now works full time for the Japanese Red Cross Society. Thrilled crowds often turn out for her public appearances. Sponsor Message Noboru says Princess Aiko is one reason most Japanese support the idea of female emperors, with polls showing 60% to 90% in favor of it.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.