The princess who may one day rule

Japan traditionally had male emperors, but there have also been eight female monarchs. The last was Go-Sakuramachi, who ruled ...
Yahoo

Five Things to Know About the Modern Japanese Monarchy

When British Royals Meghan Markle and Prince Harry started an Instagram account last month, they broke a world record by gaining a million followers in less than six hours. This week in Japan, a new ...

Royal rule under strain: How Japan’s male-only succession debate could reshape the monarchy

Japan’s male-only imperial succession law prevents Princess Aiko from becoming emperor, sparking debate amid a shrinking royal family. Public support grows, but conservative lawmakers resist changing ...

Japan: Why Princess Aiko is the monarchy's best hope to avert extinction

The debate has intensified following Aiko’s successful first solo official overseas trip to Laos in November, where she represented Emperor Naruhito ...

Princess Aiko's popularity sparks calls to change Japan's male-only succession law

Princess Aiko's increasing popularity is sparking discussions about changing Japan's male-only succession law. Aiko is the only child of the current emperor and cannot succeed him under the ...
SFGate

Emperor who gave Japan’s monarchy a human face abdicates throne

TOKYO — Three decades after he ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne, Emperor Akihito on Tuesday became Japan’s first monarch in more than two centuries to abdicate, passing the symbolic role to his ...
Yahoo

The Japanese monarchy has gone digital – but they could learn a thing or two from Mike Tindall

This image of Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko is as quirky as it gets on the family Instagram - Imperial Household Agency of Japan/Handout via Reuters As any avid ...
San Diego Union-Tribune

Emperor Akihito, credited with bringing Japan’s monarchy closer to the people, prepares to step down

Reporting from TokyoReporting from Tokyo — On Tuesday, Japan’s 85-year-old Emperor Akihito was scheduled to end his reign and hand the seat of the longest-running monarchy in the world to his son, ...
Digital Journal

Japan faces royal dilemma as ancient monarchy shrinks

Opinion polls show broad support for Japan's Princess Aiko being allowed to rule - Copyright AFP Sajjad HUSSAIN Opinion polls show broad support for Japan's Princess ...
Time

Princess Mako’s Wedding to Commoner Kei Komuro Puts a Spotlight on the Japanese Monarchy’s Succession Problem

Japan’s Princess Mako finally married her long-time commoner boyfriend Kei Komuro on Tuesday, ending uncertainty fueled by years of delay, controversy, and public scrutiny of their engagement. Local ...
East Asia Forum

Japan's rather modern monarchy

The role of Japan’s emperors has changed dramatically over time. Traditionally, the emperor is the high priest of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. According to Shinto mythology, all Japanese ...