Japan keeps male-only rule for imperial succession despite reforms

Japan's parliament approved amendments to the Imperial House Law on July 17, maintaining the long-standing principle that only male heirs can ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne despite broad public support for allowing female succession.

According to Japanese media, the amendments allow unmarried men aged 15 and older from former collateral branches of the imperial family to rejoin the imperial household. Their future children will also be eligible to inherit the throne.

The changes also permit female members of the imperial family to retain their royal status after marrying commoners. However, their spouses and children will not be recognized as members of the imperial family and will not have succession rights.

The reforms do not grant Emperor Naruhito's daughter, Princess Aiko, or any other female member of the imperial family the right to inherit the throne.

At present, the only young heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne is 19-year-old Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito. If he does not have a son in the future, the issue of imperial succession is expected to re-emerge.