Japan Imperial Succession Crisis Narrows Heir Pool

The Japanese government has proposed amendments to expand the pool of eligible male heirs, while keeping female accession barred.

• The imperial family has only three eligible male successors for the Chrysanthemum Throne, two of whom are aged 60 or older.
• The government's proposed law would allow the imperial family to adopt males from former imperial branches, but does not permit women to ascend the throne.
• Prime Minister Sanae Takaiti said it remains appropriate to limit eligibility for succession to males descended from the imperial lineage.
• The bill is expected to be enacted this month, and will also allow princesses to remain in the imperial family after marrying commoners, though their children will still be ineligible.