Running out of royals: why calls are growing to let Japan’s princess Aiko take the throne
A poll shows 72% of Japanese support a female emperor, sparking increased calls to amend succession rules that currently restrict the throne to men. Princess Aiko, 24, is the only child of Emperor Naruhito and is ineligible under existing law. Advocates argue modernising the monarchy would reflect public sentiment, while officials weigh constitutional implications in the near future.