Revolution in Japan? The beloved princess who may change the face of the imperial family

Princess Aiko, 24, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is a popular figure among the Japanese public, but the law prevents her from inheriting the Chrysanthemum Throne because she is a woman. A survey by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper found that 72% of respondents support a female empress. The imperial family has shrunk from 30 to 16 members, with only three men remaining in the line of succession. The government is promoting amendments to preserve male-only succession, but public support for Aiko is increasing pressure to change tradition.

Princess Aiko, 24, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, has become one of the most beloved figures in the imperial family, but Japanese law prevents her from inheriting the Chrysanthemum Throne solely because she is a woman. A survey by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper found that 72% of respondents support the possibility of a woman serving as empress, compared to 10% who oppose it. The imperial family has shrunk from 30 members three decades ago to 16 today, with only five of them being men. Only three men remain in the line of succession: the emperor's younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino; his son, Prince Hisahito (20); and the emperor's uncle, Prince Hitachi (90). The ban on women serving as empresses is enshrined in a 1947 law. The government of Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, is promoting amendments that would allow women in the imperial family to retain their royal status after marriage and would bring back male descendants from collateral branches, but these do not address the question of equality in succession. Professor Makoto Okawa of Chuo University said that the restraint, respect, and grace Aiko has shown have contributed to broad public support. Emperor Naruhito expressed hope that the discussions would gain public understanding, and Crown Prince Akishino said he does not think there is a difference between women and men.