Japan parliament upholds male-only imperial succession and adds adoption rule

Japan’s Diet approved a revision of the Imperial House Law that keeps the throne limited to male heirs while allowing the imperial family to adopt distant male relatives over the age of 15. The change also lets princesses retain their royal status after marrying commoners, but their children remain ineligible for succession. The reform was driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, and aims to address the shrinking pool of male heirs – currently limited to Prince Hisahito, the 19‑year‑old nephew of Emperor Naruhito. Princess Aiko, the emperor’s 24‑year‑old daughter, remains barred from the throne despite polls showing strong public support for a female emperor. The law also restores the right of women to keep their titles after marrying outside the family. Critics argue the male‑only rule threatens the long‑standing monarchy, while supporters say it preserves the legitimacy of the institution.

The revision marks the first substantive amendment to the succession rules since the post‑war era and is expected to shape debates on gender and tradition within Japan’s political and cultural landscape.