Japan is considering maintaining the current order of imperial succession, with the discussion on whether female monarchs will be allowed to ascend the throne to be held in the future, government sources said Monday.
The government's advisory panel on the issue, chaired by former Keio University President Atsushi Seike, heard from a total of 21 experts from various fields in six meetings from March 23 through Monday, but few were of the opinion that the current order should be changed immediately.
Currently, the three heirs in line to succeed 61-year-old Emperor Naruhito are his brother, Crown Prince Akishino, 55, his nephew, Prince Hisahito, 14, and his uncle, Prince Hitachi, 85.