Japan reforms imperial law but reserves throne for men

The Japanese Parliament has approved amendments to the law governing the imperial family, in an effort to address the small number of heirs and the family’s continuing decline in size.

The decision, approved by the Upper House, allows imperial families to adopt male relatives aged 15 and over. Princesses will also be entitled to retain their royal status after marrying people who are not members of the imperial family.

The reform also provides for the return to the imperial family of male descendants from 11 former imperial branches that were excluded after World War II.

Despite these changes, the law maintains the ban on women ascending to the throne. For this reason, Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito, cannot become heir to the throne, as Japanese legislation restricts succession to men only.

The current line of succession includes Prince Fumihito, the emperor’s younger brother, his son Prince Hisahito, and the emperor’s 90-year-old uncle. If Hisahito does not have a son, the line of succession could come to an end.

This is considered the first major change to the Imperial Household Law since 1949, as well as the most significant reform of Japan’s imperial system in decades.

The government and conservative politicians continue to defend the principle of succession through the male line. Meanwhile, most Japanese citizens support changing this rule: recent polls show that more than 70% are in favour of a female emperor, while another survey puts support at 83%.