Crown Prince Akishino of Japan, the brother of Emperor Naruhito, stated on Thursday that he holds "mixed feelings" regarding the government's recent revision to the Imperial House Law, which upholds the principle that only male members of the paternal line can ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of a trip to Paraguay, Akishino commented on the law, saying, "I believe there is no difference between men and women" in fulfilling the roles of the imperial family to meet societal needs. His remarks come weeks after the conservative government enacted the revision, a move that has drawn criticism for being anachronistic and sexist, fueling concerns about the future of Japan's shrinking imperial family.
Critics argue that the insistence on a male-only succession imposes an inequitable system on the royals, disregarding their personal burdens and emotions. As a member of the imperial family bound by tradition to avoid political statements, Akishino offered a nuanced perspective.
"I have mixed feelings about it, and it's rather strange if I don't," Akishino stated when asked about the government's decision. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting, "The reality is that I can't talk about it." He added, "The society needs to keep making progress, and I believe it is important for people with different views to keep thinking what's best."
The current line of succession dictates that the throne will pass to Akishino, followed by his 19-year-old nephew, Prince Hisahito. Emperor Naruhito's 24-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, who is popular among the public, is ineligible to succeed him due to her gender.
The recent revision to the law, largely unchanged since a 1947 version that originated from a 1890 law promoting patriarchal systems, aims to solidify the imperial bloodline. While the changes permit princesses to retain their royal status and duties if they marry commoners, their spouses and children will not be considered part of the imperial family. A more contentious aspect of the revision allows for the adoption of unmarried male descendants of collateral imperial lines, aged 15 and older, into the direct imperial family to serve as heirs, provided they are from the paternal lineage.
These revisions have prompted protests in Japan, with many viewing the government's actions as an effort to sideline Princess Aiko and perpetuate gender discrimination and a patriarchal system. Historical records show that Japan has had eight female monarchs, the last being Empress Gosakuramachi, who reigned from 1762 to 1770.
Concerns have also been raised that the government's actions may conflict with the legacy of former Emperor Akihito, who abdicated in 2019. Akihito, along with his son Emperor Naruhito, has sought to make the monarchy more accessible to the public, a shift that contrasts with the potential implications of the new succession law.