On July 5, Japan's parliament formally passed a draft amendment to the Imperial House Law after an all-party meeting involving all 13 political parties and groups in both houses. This move paves the way for the amendment to take effect before July 17, when the current parliamentary session ends.
The draft amendment aims to ensure the stable and sustainable succession of Japan's imperial family, which faces challenges regarding personnel and the preservation of tradition. A key issue is addressing the shortage of male heirs to the throne, as well as regulations on marriage, succession and the role of empresses.
The all-party meeting took place amid broad consensus among the parties on the need to reform the Imperial House Law to adapt to a new era. According to sources, the draft was drawn up after months of negotiations and extensive discussions among the parties.
Japanese officials expect the law revision to stabilize the imperial system while maintaining the country's long-standing cultural heritage. The process of passing the draft is expected to be completed quickly, ensuring the policy is effective and timely.