The government may shelve any decision on how to achieve a stable imperial succession despite the Diet calling for a swift report of discussions on the matter, government sources said Saturday.
Many government officials believe it is premature to draw up a clear idea, given that public opinion regarding imperial succession remains divided, the sources said.
With only three heirs to Emperor Naruhito, who ascended the throne in May last year — his younger brother Crown Prince Akishino, 54, his nephew, Prince Hisahito, 14, and Prince Hitachi, his 84-year-old uncle — finding a resolution has become more urgent.