Popularity of Princess leads to calls for change

The popularity of Japan’s Princess Aiko has led to renewed calls for change in the line of succession.

Princess Aiko recently returned from a successful foreign visit to Laos – a solo first for the 24-year-old. When she undertakes royal engagements, she has fans supporting her, screaming her name.

Because of the royal’s immense popularity, supporters have called for Japan to change their male-only line of succession. Not all politicians, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, agree with the calls for change.

Comic books, leaflets and YouTube videos are leading the charge in advocating for new succession laws.

The Emperor and Empress with Princess Aiko. By 外務省ホームページ, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako is not in the line of succession, as Japan does not allow women to reign in their own right. As a result, there are only three people in the line of succession: Crown Prince Fumihito (60), Prince Hisahito (19) and Prince Masahito (90).

Under Imperial Household Law, females must renounce their titles and role in the Imperial House upon marriage to a commoner. As the numbers continue to dwindle, changes need to be made to prevent the Imperial Family from disappearing. At present, only Prince Hisahito is eligible to ascend the throne from the younger generation.

Female monarchs are not without precedent in Japan. The country has had eight empresses, the last being in the 1700s. The current succession law came into effect in 1889.

With only three eligible to ascend the throne, the line of succession has become a more urgent matter. However, similar calls in the past have fallen on deaf ears, with too few willing to change. It remains to be seen if Princess Aiko’s supporters can finally convince those in charge to alter the laws of succession.