Japan's Male Succession Plan Faces Growing Opposition

Growing opposition is emerging in Japan against a government proposal to secure the male line of succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne. The bill, which seeks to revise the 1947 Imperial House Law, would allow for the adoption of male descendants from former imperial family branches through the paternal line. This measure is intended to address concerns about the dwindling number of male heirs within the current imperial family.

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This is too hasty. We strongly urge the government to reconsider this.

Emperor Naruhito currently has only one child, Princess Aiko, who is ineligible to inherit the throne under the existing male-only succession rule. His younger brother, Prince Akishino, is the current crown prince. Akishino has three children, including a much younger son, Prince Hisahito, who is 19 years old. The government's proposal aims to broaden the pool of potential successors by bringing in new male heirs from collateral branches of the imperial family.

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The government must abandon its hardline stance and urgently create an environment for calm debate.

However, the plan is facing significant backlash. Japanese media outlets and academics are increasingly vocal in their support for Princess Aiko, arguing that she is capable of fulfilling the role of empress, as demonstrated by state visits to the Netherlands and Belgium where female heirs were present. Critics, including media group Nikkei and Professor Aiko Nishikida of Keio University, describe the proposal as hasty and disregarding "the will of the people." A May 2025 poll indicated that 70 percent of Japanese respondents favor female succession. Critics also note the irony of such a decision being made by a government led by Japan's first female prime minister, questioning its compatibility with international gender equality standards.

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It is ironic that this decision was made by a government led by Japan's first female prime minister.