Japan Advances Imperial House Law Reform to Address Shrinking Royal Family

(MENAFN) Japan’s parliament has moved ahead with a proposal to revise the Imperial House Law, marking a step toward addressing long-standing concerns over the diminishing size of the country’s imperial family and securing the succession framework, according to reports.

The draft, prepared by the leadership of both legislative chambers, is intended to help stabilize the imperial household. It would allow female members of the imperial family to keep their status even after marrying outside the royal family, and it would also open the door for adopting male heirs descended from the paternal line of 11 former branch families.

Under Japan’s postwar Imperial House Law enacted in 1947, succession to the throne is limited strictly to males in the paternal line, and women lose their imperial standing when they marry commoners. This system has gradually reduced the number of eligible heirs.

The current emperor is Naruhito, 66, who took the throne in 2019 following the abdication of his father.

At present, the line of succession includes Crown Prince Fumihito, 60, his son Hisahito, 19, and Prince Hitachi, 90, leaving the imperial lineage increasingly narrow.

The proposal is expected to move forward for possible legislation before the current parliamentary session concludes next month.

MENAFN11062026000045017640ID1111243417