World · 17 July 2026
Japan's parliament votes to keep male-only imperial succession
Japan's parliament on Friday passed a law ensuring only men can become emperor, despite public support for Emperor Naruhito's daughter, Princess Aiko. The new regulations mean princesses may retain their royal standing even if they wed commoners. Critics say the changes are meant to prevent female monarchs and could destabilise the shrinking, aging imperial family.
Reported by Associated Press · How we write briefs