National / Politics May 5, 2019
Future role of Japan's imperial women in spotlight as family numbers decline
The ascension of Emperor Naruhito has raised questions about how public duties should be shouldered in an ever-shrinking household.
National Jan 17, 2019
Female Imperial family members to be barred from key succession rite in line with Japanese law
The government will allow female Cabinet ministers to participate in the rite on the grounds that they would be attending as observers.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Jun 10, 2017
The Imperial family and public vs. LDP
by Philip Brasor
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 ...
National May 7, 2017
Government plan floated in 2014 nixed idea of creating female branches within Imperial family
A government source says a plan was proposed by the Abe administration in 2014 which did not favor creating female branches of the Imperial family, but which would instead allow females to continue to take part in official activities.
National Mar 22, 2017
A government advisory panel on Wednesday resumed discussions on remaining issues of Emperor Akihito's abdication, including his status after becoming the first living Emperor to relinquish the throne in around 200 years. Four university professors were summoned to the panel's 10th meeting, of which three ...
National / Politics Mar 17, 2017
The ruling and opposition parties on Friday adopted the Diet's proposal over Emperor Akihito's possible abdication, calling for the government to enact a special law applying only to him. The lawmakers' consensus on the issue will pave the way for the 83-year-old Emperor to relinquish ...
National / Politics Feb 13, 2017
LDP decides to support legislation allowing only Emperor Akihito's abdication
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has decided to support the creation of a legal mechanism to allow only Emperor Akihito to abdicate, rather than legislation that would enable him and all future monarchs to relinquish the throne. The decision, reached Monday during the LDP's fourth ...
Editorials Jan 22, 2017
One-off legislation may be the easiest way to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate, but it would leave the issue unresolved for future emperors.
National Nov 30, 2016
Majority of experts support Emperor's abdication at panel hearings
A government advisory panel backs the idea of enabling 82-year-old Emperor Akihito abdicate entirely or conditionally.
National / Politics Nov 15, 2016
Experts' opinions still divided in second meeting on Emperor's possible abdication
Opinions on Emperor Akihito's possible abdication remain divided among experts summoned to a government-commissioned panel looking at how the burden on the 82-year-old monarch can be alleviated. Three university professors, two journalists and a former deputy chief Cabinet secretary presented their views Monday during the ...
National | NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Oct 16, 2016
Wide-ranging Imperial reform likely too sensitive to tackle for now
by Reiji Yoshida
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.
National / Politics Jul 22, 2016
Navigating succession under Japan's Imperial system
by Reiji Yoshida
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. But since the first report surfaced earlier this month, Imperial family ...