Crown Prince Akishino Says He Has ‘Mixed Feelings’ on Japan’s Male-Only Succession Law

Crown Prince Akishino said on August 13 that he has mixed feelings about Japan’s revised Imperial House Law, which restricts the throne to male descendants. Speaking at a press conference before a trip to Paraguay, Akishino stated he believes there is no difference between men and women in serving the imperial family. His comments mark the first imperial family statement since the law passed in July 2026 under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government.

What the revised law does

The revised Imperial House Law, enacted in July 2026, reinforces the male-only succession rule and creates two new mechanisms. It allows female imperial family members to retain their status after marriage, and permits the adoption of male descendants from 11 former imperial family branches. The law was designed to ensure a sufficient number of imperial heirs as the family shrinks.

Why the crown prince expressed doubt

Akishino said he is a human being with thoughts on the matter but declined to discuss specifics, citing the difficulty of speaking about laws as an imperial family member. When asked if the palace’s views were considered during the law’s design, he said, “I have various thoughts, of course.” He added that determining how to communicate those thoughts while respecting the law’s authority is “extremely difficult.”

Princess Aiko excluded from succession

Emperor Naruhito’s only child, 24-year-old Princess Aiko, is hugely popular and many Japanese want her as his successor. Under the revised law, she remains ineligible. The male-only rule means the throne passes to Akishino, then to his 19-year-old son Prince Hisahito. After him, the line goes to the emperor’s 90-year-old uncle, raising concerns about the family’s long-term viability.

Akishino’s call for ongoing debate

When asked about room for improvement, Akishino said society must keep making progress and that people with different views should continue thinking about what is best. He stated that it is important for various people to think about how things should always be. He also expressed hope that his children will live happily, without endorsing or rejecting the law’s framework.

Final Thoughts

Akishino’s guarded criticism signals potential friction between the palace and Takaichi’s government over succession rules. His refusal to endorse the law, combined with his emphasis on gender equality, suggests the debate over Japan’s imperial future is far from settled despite the law’s passage.

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