The most obvious solution still appears to be a no go.
Anyone who keeps up to date with the Japanese royal family will undoubtedly know that there has been a fiery discussion about the succession to the throne for decades. Now a rare frank statement by Japanese Emperor Naruhito on the issue is raising eyebrows.
Empty throne
It will not be news to royalty watchers that there is a lot of trouble at the court in Japan. A place on the Chrysanthemum throne is only reserved for male members of the imperial family. Despite many discussions, these rules are still maintained in 2024.
Since the current emperor, Naruhito, and his wife, Empress Masako, only have a daughter, this posed a significant problem. The rule applies that women must leave the imperial family if they marry a ‘common man’. But in the meantime, the imperial family has few royal lords to choose from. In the meantime, time does not stand still. Of the seventeen members of the imperial family, eight are now over 60.
Problem
In a rare candid conversation with the press, just before the imperial couple travels to London for a state visit, Naruhito briefly reflected on the issue. “The number of male members of the imperial family is declining, they are getting older, and female members are leaving the imperial family when they get married.”
“Due to these factors, the number of members of the imperial family who can perform public duties is decreasing compared to before. This is a problem related to the future of the imperial family, but I would prefer not to comment on matters concerning the legal system,” the monarch said.
Simple solution
Earlier this month, political parties from both the government and opposition abandoned the discussion. The most obvious option, to simply include ladies in the succession to the throne, is once again off the table. Despite endless discussions, several successful queens elsewhere in the world over the years, and the fight for gender equality that has already achieved a lot in many areas, this remains a no-go for the conservative members of the ruling party.
However, according to The Times, the Japanese population sees it differently: a huge 90% of the population would reportedly agree with a change in the law that would allow women to ascend the throne. Who knows: might it still be possible for Princess Aiko to follow in her father’s footsteps? We hardly dare to hope for it…
Source: The Times, The Daily Mail | Image: NL Image
