Will the conservative, traditional, and male-chauvinist Japanese society and the political system in particular accept a woman to be the emperor? Will 20-year-old Akio be the first woman ‘Emperor’ in modern times to rule the Asian country, known for its values and ethos?
Emperor Naruhito Sets Alarm Bell Ringing
The alarm bell was set on ringing, and Emperor Naruhito expressed concern over the future of the Chrysanthemum Throne. He said in May that the number of male heirs in the imperial family was shrinking and they were aging. On the eve of his visit to the UK, where Queen Elizabeth ruled for more than 50 years, the Japanese Emperor said that the number of members of the imperial family who can take on public duties is decreasing compared to before.
It was unprecedented that the Japanese Emperor or any member of the royal family is not supposed to make any political comment. His statement was political in the sense that it would decide the next head of the state.
Imperial Law of Japan
The Imperial Law of Japan forbids any woman member of the royal family to be the emperor, it also makes it clear that a royal member marries a commoner, he or she would lose all the privilege of being royal.
Emperor Naruhito’s daughter Aiko, Princess Toshi, is his only child. Besides, his brother has two daughters. So, the next emperor of Japan must be a woman. But the law does not allow it.
Will Royal Lineage Be Expanded?
Some conservative politicians and influencers have tossed up the idea of expanding the royal lineage and include other branches of the royal family so that the number of male royal member go up. But political observers also believe that it is just an excuse to deny the women of the royal family an opportunity to be emperor. 23-year-old Aiko is the next in the line of succession.
Queens of European Nations
Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning female monarch, who was the Queen of the United Kingdom for 70 years, from 1952 to 2022. Earlier, Queen Victoria ruled the UK for 63 years, from 1837 to 1901. Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands ruled the country as an empress for 58 years from 1890 to 1948. She is the longest-reigning female monarch outside the United Kingdom. Margrethe II served as the Queen of Denmark for 52 years, she ruled from 1972 until her abdication in 2024.
Woman Emperors Of Japan
Earlier in ancient times, Japan witnessed woman emperors. As many as six women reigned the South Asian country between 593 AD and 770 AD when the tradition came to an end. Nukatabe became the first historically attested woman to hold the position of female ruler in 593. She was the granddaughter of Tashiraga of Yamato. There were reigning empresses, but two of them served twice.
Imperial Household Law
The successors of these female rulers were chosen from amongst male members except on one occasion. The female reigns came to an end officially in 1889 when the Imperial Household Law came into force along with the new Meiji Constitution, forbidding any woman to be the ruler of the country.
Kogo is the title of a non-reigning consort of the emperor. She is the wife of an emperor and has given birth to the heir to the throne. This title was given for the first time in 806 to the late mother of Emperor Heizei.
Kotagio is the Empress Mother or Empress Dowager, while Tai Kotaigo’s title is given to the Grand Empress Mother or the Grand Empress Dowager.
The question goes back to where it all began, Will Aiko be the next ruler after her father Emperor Naruhito?
