Japanese royal family
Princess Aiko's Rising Popularity Challenges Japan's Male-Only Imperial Succession Law
Dec 01, 2025 05:33 pm CST
As Princess Aiko turns 24, growing public support for her potential ascension to Japan's throne highlights the critical crisis facing the imperial family. With only one young male heir remaining and conservatives opposing changes to male-only succession laws, experts warn the 1,500-year-old monarchy faces extinction unless reforms allow female emperors, a tradition that existed in Japan's history before being banned in 1889.
The Japanese Imperial System: Key Facts as President Trump Meets Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo
Oct 27, 2025 12:52 pm CST
President Trump is set to meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito at Tokyo's Imperial Palace, highlighting Japan's unique monarchy. This article explores Japan's 2,600-year imperial tradition, succession rules preventing female emperors, the post-war transformation of the emperor's role from divine ruler to symbolic head of state, and the modernization efforts of the current imperial family.