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.