Can Japan have an empress? Conservatives slam UN call to amend succession law

Critics argue that the UN panel’s call undermines Japan’s national identity, sparking a fierce debate on gender equality and tradition

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Japanese Emperor Naruhito (front row, left) and his daughter Princess Aiko attend a performance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on October 20. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 10:00am, 6 Nov 2024Updated: 11:24am, 6 Nov 2024

Japan’s conservatives have denounced a recent United Nations committee recommendation urging the nation to change its laws to allow a woman to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne, accusing it of ignorance and interference in centuries-old traditions.

The report calling for Japan to amend its Imperial Household Law, which currently restricts succession to male descendants from the paternal line, was released by the Paris-based UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women released on Tuesday last week.

The committee declared that the law is “contrary to the object and purpose” of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, to which Japan is a signatory.

The reigning emperor, Naruhito, has one daughter, Princess Aiko, 22, with his wife Empress Masako. The line of succession also includes his brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, 58; his nephew, Prince Hisahito, 17; and his 88-year-old uncle Prince Hitachi.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi quickly voiced the government’s discontent, stating that it was “extremely regrettable” for the UN to reference the Imperial Household Law, which he described as “inappropriate” given its deep ties to Japan’s national identity.

An official protest had been filed with the UN agency, Hayashi said.