Japan's parliament has passed revisions to the Imperial House Law, addressing concerns over the shrinking imperial family while maintaining the ban on female emperors. The changes, approved by the upper house on Friday, allow the adoption of male relatives over 15 from former imperial branches and permit women to retain royal status after marrying commoners. However, the law still restricts the throne to male heirs, excluding Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito, from succession.
The current line of succession includes Emperor Naruhito's younger brother, Prince Fumihito, followed by his 19-year-old nephew, Prince Hisahito, and then the emperor's 90-year-old uncle. Without further male heirs, the bloodline could end if Hisahito does not have a son. The new law aims to prevent this by allowing male descendants of 11 former imperial branches, removed after World War II, to be adopted back into the family.
Critics argue the revisions prioritize tradition over practicality, as the male-only rule has sparked debate over gender equality and the future of the monarchy. Supporters, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, insist the male bloodline is essential to the emperor's legitimacy. Public opinion polls have shown wide support for allowing women to ascend the throne, but conservative factions within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have resisted such changes.
The imperial family, one of the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchies, has faced declining numbers and aging members. The new rules are seen as a compromise to sustain the institution while adhering to traditional succession principles.