Japan Updates Succession Laws, Still Bars Female Emperors

The Japanese parliament passed a bill relaxing rules around imperial succession, addressing concerns about the shrinking imperial family. The new law allows adoption of distant male relatives over 15 to ensure a line of succession and permits women to retain royal status after marrying outside the family.

The changes represent the first amendment to the Imperial House Law since 1949 and stem from the limited number of eligible heirs. Currently, Prince Hisahito, age 19, is second in line, and the succession would end if he doesn’t have a male child.

The bill reincorporates descendants from eleven former imperial branches dissolved after World War II. Despite widespread public support, polls show over 70% favor a female emperor, the legislation maintains the ban on women ascending the throne.

This means Princess Aiko, the current emperor’s only child, remains ineligible. The bill now moves to final legal procedures before taking effect, leaving the future of the monarchy dependent on male heirs.