Japan Eases Imperial Succession Rules as Eligible Royals Dwindle to Three

Japan's parliament relaxed imperial succession rules as eligible heirs shrink to three: Crown Prince Fumihito, 60; his son Prince Hisahito, 19; and the emperor's 90-year-old uncle. The 2,600-year-old monarchy ends if Hisahito lacks a male child, despite the bill permitting adoption of distant male relatives and letting female royals retain status after marrying commoners.