Japan coalition faces secret pact over Imperial Household Law amendment

A confidential memorandum between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (JIP) set out to extend the Diet session so the proposed amendment to the Imperial Household Law could be prioritized. The deal would allow the amendment – which seeks to let female members retain imperial status after marriage and to adopt male‑line descendants from former princely houses – to pass before JIP’s two flagship bills on House‑size reduction and a secondary‑capital plan. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was reportedly surprised by the arrangement, and senior LDP officials said they were unaware of the memo.

The amendment also proposes admitting men from former princely families, such as 81‑year‑old former Kuni family member Kuni Asahiro, as adoptees with potential succession rights, sparking debate over male‑line inheritance. Opposition parties have condemned the secret pact and the rushed legislative push. The government claims the changes are needed to secure the future size of the imperial family, while a recent UN recommendation and public polls show mixed opinions on gender‑equal succession.