Japan's Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, recently turned 23. She has been actively involved in official duties and palace rituals while working at the Red Cross Society. However, Japanese law poses a significant challenge as it requires female royals to renounce their status if they marry outside the imperial family. This has led to a debate about the future of the imperial family and the need for change.
Princess Aiko's Journey: Balancing Duty and Uncertainty
Graduation and Official Duties
Princess Aiko graduated from university earlier this year and has since been participating in various official duties and palace rituals. She is working at the Red Cross Society, showing her dedication to serving others. This experience has allowed her to develop important skills and gain a deeper understanding of her role within the imperial family.During her first solo official trip in October to the National Sports Festival in Saga, she held pieces of traditional hand-crafted washi paper, showcasing her artistic side. These activities not only highlight her personal growth but also contribute to the cultural heritage of Japan.The Imperial Family Law and Succession
The 1947 Imperial House Law, which preserves conservative prewar family values, poses a major problem for the imperial family. It allows only males to take the throne and forces female royals to give up their status if they marry outside the family. With only 16 members in the imperial family, including four men, and the youngest male member being Prince Hisahito, the survival of the 2,000-year-old monarchy is in jeopardy.The government is exploring ways to keep the succession stable without relying on women, such as allowing the family to adopt new male members from former noble families. This has sparked a heated debate among conservatives in the governing party who insist on keeping male-only succession.Personal Life and Hobbies
At her work at the Japanese Red Cross Society, Princess Aiko is assigned to volunteer training programs, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact. On weekends, she enjoys taking walks with her parents and playing various sports like volleyball, tennis, and badminton with palace officials. These moments provide a glimpse into her personal life and help her maintain a balanced lifestyle.International Perspectives
Last month, the United Nations women's rights committee in Geneva issued a report calling for the Japanese government to allow a female emperor. This highlights the global importance of gender equality and the need for Japan to address this issue. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi dismissed the report, stating that the imperial succession is a matter of national identity and not covered by constitutional basic rights.Crown Prince Akishino, Aiko's uncle, was asked about the succession debate at his 59th birthday news conference. He emphasized that members of the royal family are "living humans" and that palace officials should be aware of the impact on them.Overall, Princess Aiko's life is a complex mix of duty, uncertainty, and personal growth. Her story reflects the challenges faced by the Japanese imperial family and the ongoing debate about gender equality and the future of the monarchy. READ MORE