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Japan's revised Imperial House Law takes effect, keeping male-only succession

By ChordNews · First written

Revised law to maintain Japan’s imperial family size takes effect
Image: scmp.com
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Summary

A revised Imperial House Law took effect on Saturday to address Japan's shrinking imperial family while keeping the traditional male-only succession system, despite public support for female emperors. The legislation was enacted in July as the first major revision of the 1947 law. It allows the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older from 11 former imperial branch families who are descended from emperors through the male line. The revised law also allows female members to retain their status. ABC News describes the revisions as unpopular, saying they reinforce male-only succession rules.

Later: Japan's Reforms on Imperial Succession Expand Eligible Successors but Keep Male-Only Rule · Popular Japanese cartoonist sues government over imperial succession law that limits heirs to men

Timeline

  1. South China Morning Post

    Source ↗

    The South China Morning Post reports that a revised Imperial House Law took effect Saturday, retaining male-only succession despite public support for female emperors, and allows adoption of males aged 15 or older from 11 former imperial branch families.

  2. ABC News

    Source ↗

    ABC News reports that Japan's unpopular revisions to the Imperial House Law, which reinforce male-only succession rules, took effect Saturday.

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