No Plans to Set Up New Panel on Imperial Succession: Takaichi

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that she has no plans to set up a new expert panel to discuss the Imperial succession issue and the possibility of a female or maternal-line Emperor. Takaichi made the remark at an off-session meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives after Takeshi Shina, secretary-general of the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, proposed establishing the panel. The prime minister indicated that it was too early to hold concrete discussions on Imperial succession beyond Prince Hisahito, the only young male member of the Imperial Family at present. “Discussions should be deepened based on Prince Hisahito’s circumstances, including his age and potential marriage,” she said. Takaichi also said that the government will implement the revised Imperial House Law, enacted earlier this month, while respecting the wishes of the Diet. Meanwhile, Yuichi Goto of the CRA questioned Takaichi about her secretary’s alleged involvement in a virtual currency known as “Sanae Token.” “My office never approved this,” Takaichi responded. “Neither the secretary nor I knew that the crypto asset would be issued and traded.” Arata Takebe of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party asked Takaichi for her view on the removal of the phrase “fiscal consolidation” from the annual Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform. The prime minister explained that the government aims to achieve a strong economy and fiscal sustainability at the same time. “During the upcoming budget compilation process, we’ll specify the annual amount of government bond issuance while considering securing market confidence,” she said. Regarding measures against heatstroke, Takaichi said that the government will soon set up a panel of related ministers. “We must further improve the effectiveness of these measures by incorporating the latest knowledge and technology,” she said. The Lower House committee meeting was initially scheduled for Friday but postponed due to a delay in Diet proceedings that day. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]