The Japanese Parliament has approved the revision of the Imperial House Law, introducing new measures to strengthen the dynasty without changing the principle of male-only succession. The reform is the first significant intervention in the law since 1947 and aims to counter the gradual thinning of the imperial family members.
Among the main changes is the possibility of reintegrating into the Imperial House men from eleven former collateral branches of the family, excluded after World War II. The candidates must be single, childless, and at least 15 years old. Although they cannot directly ascend the throne, their future male descendants will enter the line of succession.
The reform also introduces the possibility for princesses to maintain their imperial status even after marrying non-noble citizens. Until now, royal women automatically lost their title and left the Imperial House upon marrying a commoner.
However, the measure does not address the most debated issue, that of women's access to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Succession remains exclusively male, despite polls showing long-standing public support for the idea of a female sovereign. Recent surveys indicate that about 70% of Japanese people would favor such a change.
Currently, there are only three eligible heirs to the throne, all men: among them, Crown Prince Akishino and his son Hisahito. Observers note that maintaining the current system also reflects the influence of conservative and nationalist positions, which have advocated for preserving a dynastic tradition considered uninterrupted for over two millennia.
The Chrysanthemum Throne is regarded as the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy: according to tradition, its origins date back to 660 BC, with a dynastic line that, in Japanese historical narrative, has never been broken.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved