The Japanese imperial family is running out of members. With only 16 royals remaining, questions are growing about the future of the world's oldest hereditary monarchy. So what is the Japanese government's plan to safeguard the imperial line, and why is it proving so controversial?
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With a shrinking imperial family, fewer members are available to carry out official duties, while the pool of potential heirs continues to narrow.
To address the issue, the Japanese government is considering allowing male descendants of former imperial branches to rejoin the imperial family. Supporters argue that this it would help preserve the traditional male line of succession and secure the future of the monarchy.
But not everyone agrees.
Many in Japan favour a different solution - allowing women to retain their imperial status after marriage and even paving the way for a future empress to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne. The debate has opened up broader questions about tradition, gender equality and the future role of the monarchy in modern Japan.
In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is joined by Japanese journalist Mayu Yoshida and David McNeill, Professor of Communications at the University of the Sacred Heart, to unpack the proposals, the politics and what the public thinks should happen next.
00:00 - Introduction
01:42 - Why Japan's monarchy has been shrinking
02:11 - Who can be part of the royal family?
03:25 - How do the Japanese public view the monarchy?
04:40 - Who is Princess Aiko?
05:54 - Could Japan have a female emperor?
07:34 - Proposed changes by Japanese politicians
08:53 - Former branches of the imperial family rejoining
10:53 - Comments by Japanese government officials on the issue
13:39 - Will the government push through this revision?
16:02 - Maintaining tradition, or sexism?
This episode was recorded on 2 July 2026.
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