Japan passes reform of imperial succession, women remain excluded

France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter3 hr. ago

The Japanese parliament passed a revision to the imperial succession law on July 17, allowing distant male relatives over 15 years old who are unmarried to return to the imperial family through adoption. However, women remain excluded from becoming emperor, despite public opinion polls suggesting broad support for allowing female succession. The current line of succession depends on Prince Hisahito, 19-year-old nephew of Emperor Naruhito, who has no children and thus would end the imperial lineage under current rules. The new law permits women to retain their royal status after marrying a commoner, a privilege already granted to men. Princess Aiko, 24, daughter of Emperor Naruhito, and his two older sisters are effectively barred from ascending the throne. The reform followed internal negotiations within the ruling conservative party led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who opposes female succession. Critics, including veteran Liberal Democratic Party member Seiichiro Murakami, called the exclusion of Princess Aiko 'scandalous.' A May Asahi poll showed 72% of Japanese citizens support changing the rules to allow women to become emperor.

Bias read (Center): While the article presents public opinion supporting female succession and criticizes the exclusion of Princess Aiko, it also highlights opposition from conservative figures and the ruling party, which maintains the traditional male-only succession. The framing remains balanced between public demand

France 24 (English)State / PublicConservative4 hr. ago

Japan's parliament passed a significant amendment to the Imperial House Law, maintaining the male-only succession rule while allowing princesses to retain their royal status upon marriage to commoners. The change includes provisions for adopting distant male relatives to ensure a male heir, preserving the traditional emphasis on male lineage. Emperor Naruhito's daughter, Princess Aiko, remains ineligible despite her popularity, with the throne potentially passing to his younger brother or nephew, Prince Hisahito. Critics argue the law reinforces patriarchal norms and discriminates against women, noting that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country's first female prime minister, is a strong advocate for this stance. Feminist scholars highlight the irony and broader implications of upholding male-centric traditions.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the continuation of male-only succession as a defense of tradition and legitimacy, aligning with conservative values. It emphasizes the government's insistence on male lineage as essential to the emperor's authority, portraying the law as a necessary preservation of cultural and '