Deeply appreciated: Princess Aiko at the launching ceremony for the Arctic research vessel Mirai II. What many may not know is that Japan has had eight female emperors in the past. — The Yomiuri Shimbun/ANN
THE shrinking number of Japan’s imperial family members is a grave problem for the country.
As things stand, only three members are eligible to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne, and unease about the continuation of the Imperial line simmers on.
