Support For A Reigning Empress Gains Strong Public Backing In Japan

A recent poll conducted by Kyodo News revealed that an overwhelming majority of respondents, 90%, expressed support for the idea of a reigning empress in Japan's imperial family, Mainichi Japan reported.

The emperor and Empress Masako have one daughter, 22-year-old Princess Aiko. I Photo: 在スリランカ日本国大使館 Wikimedia Commons

This sentiment underscores public approval for expanding the right to rule to women, especially amid concerns over the limited number of male heirs in the imperial family.

The survey, conducted ahead of the fifth anniversary of Emperor Naruhito's ascension to the throne, highlighted a sense of crisis among 72% of respondents regarding the stability of imperial succession.

Currently, the 1947 Imperial House Law restricts succession to males from the paternal line, and female royals are required to leave the imperial family upon marrying a commoner.

Emperor Naruhito, who has three heirs including his brother Crown Prince Fumihito and nephew Prince Hisahito, along with his uncle Prince Hitachi, has sparked discussions about potential reforms to ensure stable imperial succession.

The emperor and Empress Masako have one daughter, 22-year-old Princess Aiko. However, a decision on whether to make women or matrilineal members eligible to ascend the throne remains pending, as deliberated by a government panel in 2021.