Japan's Princess Aiko Sparks Calls to Change Male-Only Succession Law

The topic is about royalty.

The date is Saturday, 25 July 2026, at 4:46 am.

The date is Saturday, 25 July 2026, at 9:57 am.

Princess Aiko's supporters want to change Japan's male-only succession law so she can become monarch.

Japan is running out of royals, putting its monarchy at risk.

There are only three people in line to inherit the throne, and one is 90 years old. All are men.

The Japanese government passed changes to allow males from former branches of the imperial family to be adopted.

These adoptees would not be eligible to inherit the throne, but their sons would.

Many people think the law should be changed to allow women to succeed to the throne.

Emperor Naruhito has only one child, a daughter, prompting succession law changes.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito has a popular daughter, Princess Aiko.

A professor said allowing a female emperor would be the simplest solution.

He said the adoptees would be distant relatives, over 600 years apart.

The professor said the adoptees are practically complete strangers.

The proposal involves welcoming outsiders into the Imperial Family.

The current system is out of step with the times.

The imperial family tree includes Crown Prince Fumihito and his son.

Emperor Naruhito's first heir is his 60-year-old brother, followed by his son.

After that, the next man in line is the emperor's 90-year-old uncle.

If the 19-year-old prince did not have a son, the line would end.

Princess Aiko enjoys high public support and attracts large crowds.

A Tokyo resident said Princess Aiko is a wonderful person.

The resident thinks everyone would like to see her become emperor.

A poll found 72 percent of people supported having a female emperor.

Everyone spoken to in the park supported Princess Aiko.

A woman said she did not see it as a big deal to have a female emperor.

A man said it was completely out of step with the times.

A 17-year-old said only allowing men to succeed is outdated.

She said it is discriminatory.

Her friend agreed, saying being emperor has nothing to do with gender.

A 25-year-old woman would love to see a female emperor.

She said times have changed.

The issue is about authority and legitimacy.

Japan's first female Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae, changed the law to keep men on the throne.

Sanae Takaichi broke through a tough glass ceiling in male-dominated politics.

She said the emperor's authority is linked to the male line over 126 generations.

Some people think a female emperor could undermine the role's authority.

A key role of the emperor is to promote national unity.

Princess Aiko has gained admirers since debuting as an adult royal.

Some people are concerned a woman could break the chain of patrilineal succession.

A government MP said patrilineal succession is a tradition defended for over 2,600 years.

Professor Okawa said there was virtually no-one who believed in consistent patrilineal succession.

Japan has had eight female emperors in its history to provide stability.

Empress Suiko was the first female empress, ruling from 592 to 628.

Succession was formally restricted to males in 1889.

Japan has faced international scrutiny over this decision.

The UN recommended Japan amend the law to allow women to become emperor.

The UN Secretary-General encourages countries to adopt inclusive policies.

The changes to the law will allow the imperial family to adopt long-lost male relatives.

The potential adoptees would be from 11 former imperial houses.

These houses were used as a back-up to ensure succession.

The candidates must be male-line descendants, aged 15 or older, with no wife or children.

No specific candidates have been announced.

Professor Okawa said there is a chance the potential candidates will be turned down.

Support for Princess Aiko increased after her solo overseas trip to Laos.

Professor Okawa doubts a 15-year-old boy would agree to be adopted.

He said the proposal is chilling from the perspective of children's rights.

Japan's Princess Mako gave up her title to marry a commoner.

The changes to the law will allow female members to keep their royal status.

The Imperial family has lost royals to marriage in the past.

Professor Okawa said the problem of dwindling numbers of heirs will continue.

He said excluding women will continue to grow the gap with public opinion.

Ultimately, it raises the question of whether the symbolic imperial system is meaningless.

There is a real risk that the system could become meaningless.

See more ABC coverage.

Promotion.

Latihan mendengarkan