Japan to review monarchy rule
Source: Agencies |
December 2, 2011, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
JAPAN'S prime minister said yesterday the government should study the possibility of allowing women in the royal family to keep their imperial status after marriage.
Japanese law requires female members marrying a commoner to leave the monarchy. That has palace officials worried as more than a third of Japan's 23 imperial family members are single women and girls, some nearing marriage age.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said he intended to seek a national debate on the matter. "From the viewpoint of stability, this is a matter of urgency," he said.
Noda did not give a timetable or say how the discussion would occur.
A revision could lead to discussion of allowing female members to succeed the Chrysanthemum throne. Emperor Akihito, 77, has three eligible male successors - his two sons and a grandson.
Yesterday marked the 10th birthday of Princess Aiko, the only child of Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako.
Prince Akishino, the emperor's second son, said he hoped he and his brother are given a chance to provide their views.
"Keeping the imperial family to a small number is not bad in light of the national budget," he said last month.
Japanese law requires female members marrying a commoner to leave the monarchy. That has palace officials worried as more than a third of Japan's 23 imperial family members are single women and girls, some nearing marriage age.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said he intended to seek a national debate on the matter. "From the viewpoint of stability, this is a matter of urgency," he said.
Noda did not give a timetable or say how the discussion would occur.
A revision could lead to discussion of allowing female members to succeed the Chrysanthemum throne. Emperor Akihito, 77, has three eligible male successors - his two sons and a grandson.
Yesterday marked the 10th birthday of Princess Aiko, the only child of Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako.
Prince Akishino, the emperor's second son, said he hoped he and his brother are given a chance to provide their views.
"Keeping the imperial family to a small number is not bad in light of the national budget," he said last month.
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