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.