Japan PM opposes changing male-only imperial successionJapan's Emperor Naruhito (centre left), Empress Masako (centre right), and other members of the Imperial Family wave to well-wishers during a public audience celebrating the Emperor's 66th birthday, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. (Photo: AFP)TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament on Friday that she opposes changing the imperial family's male succession rules. The premier previously warned that revising the imperial family's succession rules is "an urgent matter", although this would likely involve "adopting" new members. During a policy speech last , she said that she hoped "discussions will deepen on how to ensure stable imperial succession... leading toward the revision of the Imperial House Law". Traditionalists have asserted that the "unbroken imperial line" of male succession is the foundation of Japan, and major changes would divide the nation.

Source: Bangkok Post February 27, 2026 16:07 UTC