Takaichi Values Panel Proposals for Imperial Succession

Tokyo, March 16 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that she values proposals made by the government’s expert panel to ensure a sufficient number of Imperial Family members. In 2021, the panel proposed two measures: allowing female members of the Imperial Family to retain their status after marriage and adopting male members from the paternal line of former Imperial Family branches. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party, led by Takaichi, and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, have agreed to prioritize the latter measure. During a meeting of the House of Councillors’ Budget Committee on Monday, Takaichi said that she “respects” the panel’s proposals, indicating that she does not intend to give preference to either measure. Regarding the LDP-JIP coalition agreement, Takaichi explained, “What should be listed first is a matter between political parties.” Asked whether her administration would consider a law revision to allow a female Emperor, Takaichi responded that it was “too early to have specific discussions” about Imperial succession beyond Prince Hisahito, who is second in line to the throne after his father, Crown Prince Akishino. Takaichi expressed her intention to monitor talks on the issue between the ruling and opposition parties and begin work to draw up a bill to revise the Imperial House Law once a consensus is reached. Elsewhere in the Upper House committee meeting, Takaichi reiterated her cautious stance on the introduction of a selective dual surname system for married couples, and voiced her eagerness to expand the use of maiden names after marriage. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]