Published: Jun 17, 2026, 22:12 IST | Updated: Jun 17, 2026, 22:12 IST
Japan's imperial family is facing one of its biggest challenges in decades. With the number of male heirs shrinking, lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow distant male relatives to join the royal family and help preserve the world's oldest hereditary monarchy. The move aims to prevent a future succession crisis, but it has also reignited a national debate over whether Japan should finally allow a woman to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne. Can tradition and modern realities find common ground?