Japan's cabinet chief stalls on female emperor question amid push for imperial succession reform

On July 10 the House of Representatives' Rules Committee debated a bill to amend the Imperial Household Law, which limits succession to male heirs. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara was unable to give a clear answer when questioned about why women cannot become emperor, pausing for about 50 seconds before offering a vague response.

Broadcaster Mayuko WAKUDA later called for a careful, transparent discussion, urging that the public be fully informed about the proposed changes. The amendment passed the lower house in a 3½‑hour vote with support from opposition parties and is expected to be approved by the upper house before the July 17 deadline.