Japan’s major daily and media group
Japan's parliament has approved revisions to the Imperial House Law to admit distant male relatives into the line of succession and to allow princesses to retain royal status after marrying outside the family. The government maintains the male-only principle for the throne, leaving Princess Aiko ineligible to ascend, amid broad public support for a female emperor.
Public support for Prime Minister Takaichi has fallen across polls after controversial bills were passed into law, including one restricting succession rights for women in the imperial throne. Several surveys show declines since June, with inflation concerns rising. The government has faced mounting calls to address tax and food policy timelines.
A magnitude 7.1 (USGS 6.8) earthquake has struck Kyushu’s Kumamoto region, killing at least 13 and injuring many as aftershocks persist. Emergency crews are racing to reach survivors in rubble, while power outages affect thousands and heat threatens rescue workers.