Japan's major parties back draft bill to revise Imperial Household Law

A majority of Japan's ruling and major opposition parties on Monday expressed support for a draft proposal by the Speakers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors to revise the law to maintain the number of Imperial family members amid concerns over stable succession to the throne.

The draft follows years of debate over a shortage of male heirs in Japan's Imperial family, which currently only allows male succession. Proposed measures include allowing female members of the Imperial family to marry and remain within the royal household, instead of being required to leave as under current rules.

Parliamentary discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks to finalize the amendments, aiming to ensure the sustainability of the world's oldest monarchy.