News

Japan Declares Crown Prince Akishino Heir To Throne

Japan formally proclaimed Crown Prince Akishino would be the first in line as heir to the throne on Sunday, the last of a series of ceremonies after his elder brother, Emperor Naruhito, became monarch last year following their father’s abdication.

The day-long ceremonies at the palace had been scheduled for April but were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic and have been scaled back as infection keeps rising, although Japan has escaped the explosive outbreak seen in many other countries.

Under Japanese law, only males can inherit the throne. Because of that, Naruhito’s only offspring that is the precious 18-year-old Princess Aiko, is ineligible. Moves to amend the law lost steam when Akishino’s wife bore a son, Hisahito, in 2006.

Akishino in an orange robe standing in front of attendees, most of whom were wearing masks, according to footages by public broadcaster NHK said, “I deeply ponder the responsibility of Crown Prince and will discharge my duties”.

Akishino, 54, is one of just three heirs to the throne along with Hisahito, 14, and Prince Hitachi, 84, the younger brother of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who stepped down last year in Japan’s first abdication in two centuries.

Changes to the succession law are anathema to conservatives, but the debate over how to ensure a stable succession is likely to intensify.

One option is to allow females, including Aiko and Hisahito’s two elder sisters, to retain their imperial status after marriage and inheritor pass the throne to their children, a change that surveys show most ordinary Japanese favor.

Conservatives want to revive junior royal branches stripped of imperial status after the war.

Sources: BBC News.

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Pandora Turns Landmarks Into Luxe, “Icons of Adventure”

From Dubai’s skyline to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, Pandora’s latest collection celebrates wanderlust with a… Read More

10 hours ago

NakNak’s “Pickle & Play” Brings Food And Fun Together

What happens when Korea-inspired comfort food meets Malaysia’s latest sports craze? You get Pickle &… Read More

10 hours ago

Greta Thunberg Urges the World: “Focus on Gaza, Not Me”

On October 7, renowned Swedish activist Greta Thunberg arrived safely in Paris, France, following a… Read More

11 hours ago

Skechers Brings The Heat To The Court With New Viper Court Collection & Pickleball Apparel

Pickleball is having a moment and Skechers just made it cooler. The Comfort Technology Company™… Read More

14 hours ago

Go Organic, Go Authentic, Alce Nero Turns Pasta Into a Feel-Good Lifestyle

Organic, but make it Italian. This September and October, Alce Nero wants Malaysians to celebrate… Read More

15 hours ago

foodpanda Wants Gig Workers to Thrive, Not Just Survive in 2026

Budget 2026 is shaping up to be a big one, especially for the gig economy.… Read More

15 hours ago

This website uses cookies.