Japan lawmakers begin talks on dwindling imperial line

Japan's Crown Prince Akishino (second from left) and Crown Princess Kiko (second from right) posing with their children, Prince Hisahito and Princess Kako. - PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO (AFP): Japanese lawmakers kicked off discussions on Friday about possible relaxations to the imperial family's strict succession rules, although women will likely remain barred from the Chrysanthemum Throne.

The imperial family has a myth-filled history dating back more than 2,600 years but Japan currently has only one heir: Emperor Naruhito's 17-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito.