Emperor of Japan since 2019; focus on succession, peace, and cultural duties
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.
The imperial house has seen renewed debate as a government move on succession and a clothing ban at a war shrine prompts protests and international concern ahead of a wartime anniversary.
Japan’s leaders face renewed regional scrutiny as Koizumi’s Yasukuni Shrine visit on the 81st anniversary sparks protests from China and South Korea, while Tokyo stresses a peaceful, postwar path.