Japan revises Imperial House Law to allow adoption of male heirs amid succession concerns

Japan's Imperial House Law has been amended to permit the adoption of male descendants from former imperial families, a move aimed at securing a male heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne. The revision, passed by the Japanese upper house, allows for the integration of men from 11 branches of the former aristocracy, separated from the main imperial line in 1947.

This change circumvents the current law, which stipulates that the throne passes through the male line. Emperor Naruhito's only child is Princess Aiko, meaning the current imperial line faces a succession crisis without this amendment. The adopted males and their future sons would become eligible to inherit the throne, preserving the patrilineal succession principle.

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We hope that discussions that gain the understanding of the people will take place.

However, the revision has drawn criticism from major Japanese media outlets and segments of the public. The Yomiuri Shimbun described the change as a "reckless institutional alteration" that disregards the bond between the public and the symbolic emperor, cultivated over 80 years. Critics argue it fails to keep pace with the times and ignores the fact that about 70% of the public supports female succession, as noted by the Asahi Shimbun.

International bodies have also weighed in. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, when asked about the revision, emphasized the promotion of inclusive policies that advance women's rights in all positions and professions, a statement seen as an indirect critique of Japan's exclusion of women from succession. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) had previously recommended revising the law, stating that male-only succession conflicted with the convention's principles. Japan's government had countered that succession rights are not basic human rights and thus not discriminatory.

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We encourage inclusive policies that lead to the advancement of women’s rights in all positions and professions in all countries.