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JAPAN / NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Oct 16, 2016

Wide-ranging Imperial reform likely too sensitive to tackle for now

As an advisory panel readies to discuss the issue of the Emperor's abdication, some say Imperial reform is likely too sensitive a subject to touch for now.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 22, 2016

Navigating succession under Japan's Imperial system

Emperor Akihito's reported intention to abdicate in a few years because of his advanced age has shocked the nation, made headlines and triggered discussion among intellectuals on how the Imperial throne should be succeeded.
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 9, 2016

U.N. panel drops criticism of Japan's male-only Imperial lineage after Tokyo protests

A U.N. committee agrees to remove criticism of Japan's male-only Imperial succession from a report after Tokyo complained.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 22, 2019

Deeper than tradition: Japan's enthronement illustrates an evolving imperial house

Japan's enthronement combines legend and the spiritual with modernity, similar to coronations used by monarchies worldwide. These ceremonies tend to be described as "traditional" — but the term is overused and rarely properly defined in reference to Japan's enthronement, Sokui no Rei.
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Jun 10, 2017

The Imperial family and public vs. LDP

NHK has become the go-to media outlet for scoops on the Imperial family. In July, the public broadcaster was the first to break the news that the Emperor wanted to step down and, last month, it was the first to report Princess Mako's intention to marry a man she met at university. Both stories annoyed...
EDITORIALS
Apr 20, 2019

The future of Imperial succession

The government needs to figure out how to ensure stable Imperial succession amid a dearth of male heirs.
EDITORIALS
Dec 4, 2017

Continue talks on Imperial succession rules

Given the lack of male heirs in the Imperial family, the discussion of succession rules should continue.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 1, 2017

Lower House panel gives nod to one-off abdication bill

The Lower House Steering Committee greenlights a one-time bill to let Emperor Akihito abdicate, paving the way for passage by the chamber.
EDITORIALS
Feb 22, 2017

Discussions on Imperial abdication

The public should have a say in the discussion on Imperial abdication.
EDITORIALS
Jan 22, 2017

Unaddressed succession issues

One-off legislation may be the easiest way to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate, but it would leave the issue unresolved for future emperors.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 14, 2016

Emperor's abdication plan poses challenges for Japan's Imperial system

A day after news broke of Emperor Akihito's plans to abdicate, discussion turned to when and how an emperor can be allowed to quit.
EDITORIALS
May 5, 2017

The future of Imperial succession

By offering legislation that would only apply to the current emperor's abdication and not facing other problems with the Imperial family, the Abe administration is merely kicking the can down the road.
JAPAN
Apr 17, 2019

Talks on Imperial succession rules may be delayed until next fall or spring

Officials don't want heated discussion on enthroning women until after elections and the transfer of the throne are over, but the public may not accept a year's wait.
Empress Masako (left), Emperor Naruhito (center) and their daughter Princess Aiko watch the World Athletics Championships held at the National Stadium in Tokyo in September.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Oct 6, 2025

Parliament talks deadlocked on Japan's imperial succession

With no agreement reached during this year's ordinary session of the Diet, Japan's parliament, prospects for a consensus of the legislature remain dim.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko visit the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum in Itoman on June 4.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jun 19, 2025

Parties are still arguing about the rules on imperial succession

Allowing female members to remain royalty after marriage, starting a maternal lineage, adoptions — there are a slew of ideas but a shortage of answers.
JAPAN
Sep 27, 2023

Talks on imperial succession stall under Kishida administration

The prime minister has said that ensuring stable imperial succession is "an issue that cannot be put off," but no concrete steps have been taken.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 29, 2023

LDP to create new team on imperial succession

Prince Hisahito, Crown Prince Akishino's 17-year-old son, is the only member of his generation currently eligible.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and other imperial family members attend the New Year's appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Jan. 2, 2020.
JAPAN
Jun 4, 2025

Japan lawmakers likely to put off decision on imperial family plan

Leaders of the House of Representatives have found it difficult to reach a conclusion before the current parliamentary session is set to end on June 22.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greet guests during the autumn garden party at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo on Nov. 2.
JAPAN
Nov 17, 2023

LDP to consider imperial law revision for stable succession

The focus of discussions will be, in part, on whether to allow Japan to have a female emperor.
The Liberal Democratic Party's panel meets at the party headquarters in Tokyo in April to discuss measures to ensure stable imperial successions.
JAPAN / Society
Oct 30, 2024

U.N. panel urges Japan to revise imperial succession rules

The panel also urged Japan to implement a law revision toward introducing a selective dual surname system for married couples.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura said measures against U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women "will show the government's position more clearly," in relation to the Imperial House Law.
JAPAN
Jan 30, 2025

Japan hits back at U.N. panel over imperial law review recommendation

The law allows only male descendants from the paternal line of the imperial family to become emperor.

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