Japan proposes Imperial succession law change to allow adopted male heirs

The Japanese government is considering a revision to the Imperial Household Law that would permit male descendants of former princely families, adopted into the imperial line, to be eligible for the throne. The proposal would create a new category for “adopted sons” from the old eleven collateral houses, granting their male offspring succession rights. Proponents argue this would broaden the pool of heirs and could place Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito’s daughter, as the first in line if the rule is amended.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru affirmed that the current law already applies to such adopted male descendants, signalling official support for the amendment. The move challenges the long‑standing preference for male‑line succession and has sparked debate over tradition versus modernization within the imperial institution.