Japan's cabinet to approve amendment of Imperial Household Law

Former foreign minister Hirofumi Nakasone apologized on June 29 for saying Princess Aiko could not inherit the throne, stating his remarks were poorly worded and reiterating that current law limits succession to male heirs. The comment came as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party reached a consensus on revising the Imperial Household Law.

On June 30, LDP vice‑president Taro Aso and Innovation Party co‑leader Fujita Buntaro met with other party leaders and confirmed a plan to secure the royal family’s future by amending the law. The proposal, which would allow adoption of male heirs from former princely branches and faced internal debate over a 15‑year‑old age limit, is slated for an emergency cabinet meeting later that evening, where the government aims to formally approve the amendment in the current Diet session.