Crown Prince Akishino, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito, said he has “mixed feelings” about the government’s revision to the Imperial House Law that insists only men can become emperor.
“I believe there is no difference between men and women in serving the roles of the imperial family to respond to social needs,” Akishino said yesterday at a news conference ahead of a trip to Paraguay later this month.
The comments by Akishino, the next in line for the throne, come just weeks after a historic revision to the Imperial House Law by the conservative government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that insists only paternal-lineage men can become emperor.
The law has been criticised as anachronistic and sexist and the revision sparked outrage and concern that the measure could doom the already shrinking imperial family.
Critics also say the government’s insistence on the male-only succession is an imposition of an inhumane system on the royals without taking into consideration their burden and feelings.
As an imperial family member who is not supposed to make political statements, Akishino was nuanced in his comments.
“I have mixed feelings about it, and it’s rather strange if I don’t,” Akishino said when asked about the government’s decision. He added that it “is a difficult question, and the reality is that I can’t talk about it.”
“The society needs to keep making progress, and I believe it is important for people with different views to keep thinking what’s best,” Akishino said.
Naruhito’s 24-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, is hugely popular and many Japanese want her to be his successor, but as a woman she is ineligible.
The male-only succession rule means the throne must go to Akishino, then to his 19-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito. Next in line after him is the emperor’s 90-year-old uncle.
The paternal-line male succession was stipulated for the first time in the 1890 Imperial House Law, when Japan promoted patriarchal systems. That law was largely carried over to the current 1947 version.
There is also worry that the government’s push will upset the legacy of former Emperor Akihito, including making amends for the victims of World War II, which was fought in his father’s name.
Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, tried to bring what was seen as an aloof monarchy closer to the people, an example followed by his son, Naruhito, and his family. — AP
