The esteemed Emperor and the royal family of Japan.

The Emperor of Japan, Akihito at the age of 83, is the only monarch in the world ruling under the title of Emperor.
last Friday a new law was passed in Japan that allows Emperor Akihito to step down. This would be the first royal surrender in more than two centuries

Here are a few things that are yet unknown about the Japan's royal family

Former History

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The Japanese imperial family tradition is known to be more than 2600 years old. It is not known that whether this is a myth or a reality but it is believed to be the oldest.

Constitutional Symbol

Defeat in the world war II was one of the major setbacksfor the imperial family. the Japanese army marched through the Asia-Pacific to fight for their monarch. The USGeneral Douglas MacArthur, the leader of the post-war occupation, called it off. The Emperor was turned into a national "symbol" as a part of the radical democratisation by the current US-imposed constitution.

Idolization

the majority population of Japan idolises the royal family and the emperor and hence there hasn't been any sort of republican movements over the years. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko went to console and sympathise with the victims of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in 2011.
Akihito, son of Emperor Hirohito believes that Japan must not surrender its 20th-century militarism and actions in world war II. prime minister Shinzo Abe and other conservatives saw this as a censure of their nationalist beliefs.

Royal Succession

The Royal family functions under sole male hereditary, i.e. only the sons will take over the throne. upon the abdication of Akihito, Prince Naruhito, his oldest son will take the Chrysanthemum throne. after him, his younger brother Prince Akishino will reign. after him, the only male heir left will be the 10-year old Prince Hisahito, Akishino's son.

Unborn forthcoming

There won't be much of a future for the Japanese royal family if there are no changes in the rules and women are allowed to ascend the throne, although this idea is abhorred by the traditionalists. The family faces major scarcity of young men. The Parliament has suggested the Government that female members marrying commoners should;d not loose their status which will happen when Akihito's granddaughter, Princess Mako will marry her college sweetheart. Others have advised to include distant relatives to expand the family. Till then, the Royal family faces a major threat.