Is Japan's monarchy dying out?

Japanese Emperor Naruhito attending the opening ceremony for the 204th Diet session in parliament in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan 18. Photos: dpa

Is Japan's monarchy dying out? It might at first sound like an outrageous question, but it's not absurd: In a reflection of Japan's rapidly ageing population, the country's hereditary monarchy is gradually running out of heirs.

At issue is the fact that, according to current legislation, only male descendants of the male family line can ascend to the throne, while female family members have no claim and must leave the imperial family and become private citizens if they choose to marry someone.