Over 80% of Japanese Public Supports Female Emperors, but New Law Keeps Throne Male-Only

A Nikkei and TV Tokyo poll found over 80% of respondents support allowing women to inherit Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne. The survey came after Parliament's July 2026 Imperial House Law, which lets female royals keep their status after marriage and permits adopting male descendants from former branches — but leaves the male-only succession rule intact. Princess Aiko, the emperor's only child, remains ineligible.