Japan critics condemn LDP over imperial succession plan and staged parliamentary support

Naoki Hyakuta of the Japan Conservative Party warned against any amendment to the Imperial Household Law that would allow female royals to retain their status after marriage. He reaffirmed support for a strictly male‑line succession, arguing that changing the tradition could lead to a "female‑line emperor" and threaten a 2,000‑year history of male succession.

Former opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa attacked the Liberal Democratic Party’s appearance at a recent party‑leaders debate, describing the scene of LDP members cheering and heckling behind Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as "本当に気持ち悪い異様な光景" (a truly disgusting and bizarre sight). He accused the prime minister of staging the event to avoid parliamentary scrutiny and called for the rapid removal of the government.

Both statements reflect growing dissent within Japan’s political arena over proposed reforms to the imperial institution and perceived manipulations of parliamentary proceedings.