Royal Succession in Japan

Even with President D. Trump and the ongoing Iranian and Ukrainian issues, there are still significant foreign affairs topics that aren’t always highlighted in the news. For instance, I think royal succession is a key area, like Princess Catherine of the United Kingdom, Princess Leonor of Spain and, more importantly, Princess Aiko of Japan. 

Princess Aiko of Japan 

 

According to the Imperial Household Law of 1947, only male descendants in the male line can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne. So, even though Princess Aiko is the Emperor’s only child, she’s not legally allowed to inherit the throne. Her cousin, Prince Hisahito, is currently second in line after his father, Crown Prince Akishino.

The idea of succession has sparked a lot of discussion in Japan. People are wondering if Japan should change its laws to let women inherit the throne. Even though most people in Japan (about 80%) think it would be great to have an empress regnant, the current laws still don’t change.

This issue is especially important now that Prime Minister Sanae Takaishi has been elected. The Prime Minister doesn’t want to change the law about royal succession, and it seems like it might be because of personal reasons, even though it could have big effects on the world, especially since Japan is becoming more powerful.

I’d love to hear what you think about this.

Sweden Flies Gripen Fighter Jets

 

Sweden flies Gripen fighter jets on offer to Canada as part of NATO mission

By

Genevieve Beauchemin

 

UPPSALA, Sweden --

 As geopolitical tensions rise in many parts of the world, Swedish Armed Forces have six JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets deployed in Iceland.

This marks a significant milestone. It’s the first time Sweden leads air policing duties in the highly strategic territory since joining NATO in 2024. It’s also an occasion for the Swedes to show off their fighter jets to Canada, and how they fit into NATO operations.

This comes at a crucial time. Aside from keeping a close eye to the conflict in the Middle East, NATO recently activated “Arctic Sentry,” a surveillance and military operation boosting security in the Arctic and the high north. This, just weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump’s made demands to acquire Greenland.

JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. (CTV News)

Denmark is also providing four F-35 fighter jets to the mission.

Governor general to visit Greenland

 

Canada's Governor General Mary Simon to visit Greenland in February 

and attend the opening of Canada's first consulate in Nuuk, the Office of the Governor General said Wednesday.

According to a press release, Simon's visit will focus on strengthening the close historical and cultural bonds between Inuit in Canada and Greenland.

The upcoming trip will mark the first visit by a Canadian governor general to Greenland since 1982.

"The Arctic is stronger when nations work together," Simon was quoted as saying in the release. "Canada's long-standing approach is grounded in close, constructive engagement, supporting stability, respect for sovereignty and the well-being of northern communities."

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency