Japan's Crown Prince Akishino has 'mixed feelings' on revised male-only imperial succession law
TOKYO — Japanese Crown Prince Akishino, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito, on Thursday said he has “mixed feelings” about the government's revision to the Imperial House Law that reinforces a rule dictating only men can become emperor. “I believe there is no difference between men and women” in serving the roles of the imperial family to respond to social needs, Akishino said at a news…
Japanese Crown Prince Akishino, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito, expressed on Thursday that he has "mixed feelings" regarding the government's revision of the Imperial House Law. This law maintains the rule that only men can ascend to the position of emperor. Speaking at a news conference prior to a trip to Paraguay to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Japanese emigration to the South American nation, Akishino stated, "I believe there is no difference between men and women" in fulfilling the roles of the imperial family in responding to societal needs.
The Crown Prince's remarks come in the wake of a significant legislative change by the conservative government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This change stipulates that only male-lineage members of the imperial family can succeed to the throne. The law has faced criticism for being anachronistic and sexist, with the recent revision sparking widespread outrage and concerns about the future of the dwindling imperial family.
Critics argue that the government's insistence on a male-only succession is inhumane and overlooks the needs and perspectives of the royals and the broader society.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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