Japan has passed a revised imperial succession law maintaining the tradition of male-only inheritance within its shrinking imperial family.
The new legislation underscores that only male members can ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne, solidifying the position of Prince Hisahito, the emperor’s teenage nephew and second in line.
To sustain the male-only succession rule within a shrinking royal family, the revised laws permit the adoption of distant male relatives to secure future heirs. Additionally, princesses will now be allowed to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.
