Japan faces royal dilemma as ancient monarchy shrinks

This handout file picture taken on Nov 12, 2021 and provided by Japan's Imperial Household Agency shows Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino (centre) strolling with his son Prince Hisahito (left) and his daughter Kako n the garden of their Akasaka imperial property residence in Tokyo, ahead of his 56th birthday on Nov 30. - AFP

TOKYO (AFP): Japan's imperial family is facing extinction due to a shortage of eligible emperors, but some experts say the ideas floated in a government inquiry for boosting the dwindling number of royals are out of touch.

With women barred from the throne under male-only succession rules, the place of Emperor Naruhito, 61, will one day be filled by his nephew Prince Hisahito instead of his only child Princess Aiko.