Japan imperial rules tweaked, but still no woman emperor
(FILES) Well-wishers wave national flags as Japan's Emperor Naruhito (top 3rd R) appears with Empress Masako (2nd R), their daughter Princess Aiko (R), Crown Prince Akishino (3rd L), Crown Princess Kiko (2nd L) and their daughter Princess Kako (L) on the balcony of the Imperial Palace to mark the emperor's 65th birthday in Tokyo on Feb. 23, 2025.(AFP)
Japan’s parliament tweaked the imperial succession law on July 17 but maintained the bar on women emperors, despite surveys suggesting wide public support for the idea.
The future of the imperial household, mythically descended from the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu, hinges currently on Prince Hisahito, the 19-year-old nephew of Emperor Naruhito, 66.
If Hisahito, a fan of dragonflies currently studying biology and who is not married, has no son, then under the rules as they stand he will have no heir and the bloodline will end.
