Japan's crown prince makes 1st remark regarding dwindling family debate
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito on Thursday commented for the first time since the government revised the Imperial House Law to address
Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito addressed the dwindling royal family debate for the first time on Thursday, echoing Emperor Naruhito's sentiments. At a press conference at the Akasaka Estate, he expressed agreement with the emperor's hope for a solution that garners public understanding. The Imperial House Law amendment, enacted last month, permits the adoption of males from former imperial branches and allows female members to retain their imperial status post-marriage to commoners.
However, the law retains the male-only succession system and takes effect on October 24. Emperor Naruhito avoided direct comments on the matter, suggesting in June that discussions on preserving the imperial family's numbers should gain public support. The current royal family faces scrutiny with only three male heirs to the 66-year-old Emperor Naruhito.
While the revised law does not discuss female or maternal-line emperors, Crown Prince Fumihito emphasized the importance of societal progress and the role of the imperial family in responding to societal requests, asserting that there are no gender-based differences in their duties.
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