The debate over imperial succession has been going on in Japan for decades.
What you should know
As debate intensifies in Japan over the future of imperial succession, Prime Minister Sane Takaichi has said the tradition of only males sitting on the throne will not change.
Speaking in parliament on Friday, she said she would respect the current system that only male descendants of the male line of the imperial family can ascend to the ancient Chrysanthemum Throne. Under current law, only male descendants of the male line of the imperial family can ascend to the ancient Chrysanthemum Throne. Emperor Naruhito, 66, has only one daughter, Princess Aiko. Hopes for the continuity of the imperial line are therefore focused on Crown Prince Akishino's teenage son, Prince Hisahito. Prime Minister Takaichi recalled a report by a panel of experts in 2021 that concluded that "it would be appropriate to limit eligibility to male descendants of the imperial line." As the country's first female prime minister, she said, "The government and I respect that report."
Japan's 2,600-year-old dynasty (the imperial lineage) is traditionally believed to be passed down through male descendants. However, various opinion polls have shown high support for women to be given the right to the throne.
Japan has been embroiled in decades of debate over imperial succession. In 2005, a government panel recommended that the eldest child be made the heir regardless of gender, potentially paving the way for Princess Aiko. But the debate was put to rest after the birth of Prince Hisahito in 2006.
Traditionalists say the unbroken line of succession to the throne is the foundation of Japan's national identity and stability. They say major changes could divide society.
Under the post-war constitution, the imperial family has no political power, but they retain an important constitutional role.
