A recent survey found that 69 per cent of respondents were in favor of revising the Imperial House Law, which specifies the procedures for succession to the throne, to allow a female emperor.
The Yomiuri Shimbun has conducted similar surveys in 2018, 2020 and 2022. In the 2022 survey, 70pc favored a female emperor, while 24pc were undecided and 6pc were opposed.
This year twenty-four per cent said they were undecided, while 7pc said they opposed to the idea.
The survey also found that 68pc were worried that it may become difficult to ensure a stable Imperial succession in the future, exceeding the 31pc who were not worried.
Currently, the Imperial family has 16 members, with three eligible to succeed to the throne: Crown Prince Akishino, 60, his son Prince Hisahito, 19, and Prince Hitachi, 90, the brother of the Emperor Emeritus.
Japan has only ever had emperors connected to Imperial lineage through their paternal bloodline
Japan has only ever had emperors connected to the Imperial lineage through their paternal bloodline. When asked whether it would be better to maintain the paternal line or allow succession by descendants from the maternal line, 64pc said they would prefer to allow female lineage, far outstripping the 13pc who preferred to maintain the male lineage. Twenty-two percent said they were undecided.
By gender, women were more positive about both a female emperor and an emperor who ascends to the throne via the maternal line.
The ruling and opposition parties have been discussing measures to secure the number of Imperial family members under the heads of both chambers of the Diet. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said the Diet should reach a conclusion on measures to ensure a stable Imperial succession and secure Imperial Family members, while 31pc thought otherwise.
In May, The Yomiuri Shimbun compiled a set of proposals for a stable Imperial succession, presenting measures under four pillars: Prioritise continuation of the Imperial line; maintain the emperor as a symbol of the state; establish Imperial family branches headed by women; and enable husbands and children to become Imperial family members.
The survey was conducted via mail from Sept 24 to Oct. 31 on 3,000 eligible voters nationwide, with 67pc responding.
Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2025