81% Of Japanese Back Female Emperors In Mainichi Poll

A huge majority of respondents (81%) in a recent nationwide opinion poll conducted by the Mainichi Shimbun said they were in favor of allowing female emperors, highlighting an increasing society-wide focus on female members of Japan's Imperial Family.

This trend reflects the growing presence and active roles of Japan's female royals.

Although a simple comparison cannot be made because of different survey methods, support for a female emperor reached 87% in a February 2005 survey after the administration of then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi established a panel of experts to explore this possibility.

However, support dropped to 72% in September 2006 after the birth of Prince Hisahito, the 17-year-old son of Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito), and further dipped to 68% in April 2017.

The latest poll also showed that 56% support the proposal of allowing female members to remain in the Imperial Family after marriage, a recommendation from a December 2021 government expert advisory panel report.

This trend reflects the growing presence and active roles of Japan's female royals.

Princess Aiko, the 22-year-old daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, began working at the Japanese Red Cross Society this spring and has additionally taken on public duties, Nao Yamada and Hiroyuki Takashima also reported for Mainichi Shimbun.