Japanese parliament reaches consensus on imperial family reforms

A cross‑party parliamentary body (both houses) voted on a "legislative consensus" to address the shrinking size of Japan's imperial family. The agreed measures include allowing female members to retain their imperial status after marriage and permitting the adoption of male descendants from former princely houses.

Prime Minister Sae Takachi said the Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party will now work on detailed legislation. Opposition parties criticised the plan, citing constitutional concerns and fearing the adoption scheme discriminates by lineage. A recent poll showed public opinion split roughly 44‑43% on the adoption proposal. The government must now explain the reforms to the public and continue broader discussions on succession, including the possibility of a female emperor.