Japan may be the oldest continually hereditary monarchy in the world, but it has one of the smallest lines of succession.
The line of succession is limited to males only through the Imperial Household Law. Only direct-line males may succeed to the throne.
It is discussed in Chapter 1: Article 1 of the Imperial Household Law of 1947: “The Imperial Throne shall be succeeded to by a male…
Japan’s Prince Hitachi has been hospitalised in a Tokyo hospital.
The 87-year-old uncle of Emperor Naruhito was admitted to the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center on the evening of 1 March as a precautionary measure after a high fever.
The Imperial Household…
Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako, are reviving an imperial tradition that has not been observed since before the global health crisis. They will host the first garden party of the Emperor’s reign in May.
The Imperial Household Agency, the government…
Japan's Princess Aiko finally able to attend in-person classes
28th February 2023
Japan’s Princess Aiko is to attend in-person university classes for the first time since beginning her post-secondary education.
Due to the global health crisis, the Princess, who is the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, was only able to attend her classes at Gakushuin University from her enrollment in February 2020 until this year.
However, with the pandemic…
Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Japanese throne four years ago, after his father’s abdication, but this is the first time he has been able to give a public birthday address.
Due to the global pandemic, the yearly tradition was repeatedly cancelled. Though…
The Crown Prince of Japan travelled to Hiroshima for a day of engagements, most of which were centred around the remembrance of the infamous World War II atomic bombing.
On Thursday, 19 January, the heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne arrived at the Japan Association of Zoos…
Emperor Naruhito opens a monumental year with a speech full of hope
2nd January 2023
Japanese Emperor Naruhito has released a New Year message filled with hope for the future while also recognising the hardships that the world is enduring.
In his traditional New Year address, the Emperor is seen sitting in a room of the Imperial Palace alongside the Empress and their daughter, Princess Aiko.
In front of them was a statuette of a rabbit, symbolising the entrance to this new…
Japanese Imperial Family attends charity screening of poignant movie
30th December 2022
The Japanese Imperial Family attended the charity screening of “Dr Koto Clinic,” a movie based on a real story of medical care in remote regions.
On Wednesday, 28 December, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, arrived at the movie…
YEAR IN REVIEW: Threats, health scares, and new beginnings for the Japanese Imperial Family in 2022
28th December 2022
The Japanese Imperial Family has had its share of threats and health scares throughout 2022. However, the year was also one for new beginnings.
The year started with Emperor Naruhito’s in-person New Year greetings being cancelled again due to the ongoing global…
The Japanese Imperial Household Agency has announced the return of a significant traditional celebration after being suspended for three years.
It was revealed that the Imperial Palace will reopen on the 23rd of February to allow the public to come together to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday.
The traditional ceremony will return to mark the Emperor’s birthday in 2023 after being…
