National Dec 30, 2020
The government is looking to set up a panel of experts to discuss the issue in 2021.
National Dec 29, 2020
Princess Kako turns 26, performs duties online amid pandemic
Since graduating from International Christian University in Tokyo in March last year, the princess has devoted herself to official duties.
National Nov 30, 2020
Japan crown prince 'approves' of daughter's plan to marry but says financial issue must be resolved
Princess Mako's plans to marry her university boyfriend, Kei Komuro, have been delayed amid reports of a financial dispute involving Komuro's family.
National Nov 24, 2020
Japan eyes post-marital title for female imperial family members
The move would help avoid the further shrinking of the number of imperial family members.
National Nov 13, 2020
Princess Mako describes marriage as 'necessary' but plan still on hold
The princess and her partner announced their intention to get engaged in September 2017, with their wedding originally scheduled to take place in November 2018.
National Nov 9, 2020
Crown Prince Akishino formally declared first in line to the throne
Emperor Naruhito proclaimed his younger brother as crown prince to the people of Japan during the ceremony, which was delayed from April due to the pandemic.
National Nov 8, 2020
Crown Prince Akishino: A vocal member of Japan's imperial family
The 54-year-old younger brother of Emperor Naruhito, 60, has occasionally expressed his view that the imperial family needs to adapt to the times.
National Nov 8, 2020
Japan may shelve imperial succession decision despite calls from the Diet
Many government officials believe it is premature to draw up a clear idea, given that public opinion regarding imperial succession remains divided.
Commentary / Japan Nov 6, 2020
by Kenneth Ruoff
Whereby there are presently only two viable heirs to Japan's imperial throne, it's easy to understand the fragility of the imperial line.
National Oct 23, 2020
Princess Mako, a niece of Emperor Naruhito and the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino, turned 29 on Friday, marking her birthday at a time when public attention remains focused on her delayed marriage to her university boyfriend Kei Komuro. A date for her marriage ...
National Oct 8, 2020
Japan to hold crown prince proclamation ceremonies on Nov. 8
The event was postponed as a result of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
National Sep 29, 2020
Japan considers holding crown prince proclamation ceremonies in November
Following the proclamation ceremonies, the government is likely to start full-fledged discussions on how to ensure stable imperial succession.