Nagoya University

Japan's parliament revised the Imperial House Law to enforce male-only succession, sparking concerns about the shrinking imperial family. Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito's daughter, is ineligible to succeed, making Prince Hisahito the heir. The law allows adopting distant male relatives and permits princesses to retain royal status after marrying commoners.

Japan’s parliament is set to pass a law reinforcing male-only succession for the imperial throne, excluding Emperor Naruhito’s daughter, Princess Aiko, from the line of succession. The law aims to preserve the male bloodline by allowing distant male relatives to be adopted and permitting princesses to retain royal status if married to commoners. Critics argue the law perpetuates patriarchal norms and discrimination, as the imperial family shrinks with only five men among 16 adults.