Japan’s Imperial family: Looking for continuity

Future empress? : Japan's Princess Aiko.Japanese lawmakers kicked off discussions on May 17 about possible relaxations to the imperial family's strict succession rules. — Reuters

THE decline in the number of Japan’s Imperial family members is an issue that affects the continuation of the Imperial family system. The Reiwa era is now in its sixth year. It appears to be about time for the Japanese government and the ruling and opposition parties to reach a conclusion on the matter, and not leave various problems unaddressed.

In March, the Liberal Democratic Party’s met to discuss the issue of securing a stable Imperial succession met for the first time in four months. As a concrete measure to secure the Imperial family system, its members reached a consensus that it is desirable for female members to retain their Imperial status after marriage.