Editorial

15:27 JST, May 15, 2025

It is the wish of many people that the Imperial family, which has preserved and passed on Japanese traditions and culture and has always reached out to the people, should continue to exist.

However, the decrease in the number of Imperial family members is serious. If this situation continues, there are fears of the Imperial family system itself coming to a standstill. What should be prioritized above all else is the continuation of the Imperial lineage. Realistic measures must be taken to achieve this goal.

The Yomiuri Shimbun has compiled a set of proposals on the revision of the Imperial House Law. It calls for the establishment of female Imperial branches, which will enable female members to remain in the Imperial family after marriage and become the heads of those branches, to ensure the number of Imperial family members.

In addition, the proposals call for systemic reform with a view to the possibility of a female emperor and also an emperor who accedes to the throne via a maternal family line.

The Emperor not only performs his duties, including traditional rituals and acts in matters of state, but also plays a major role in international goodwill.

The Emperor has frequently visited the battlefields of the Pacific War to mourn the war dead. He has also continued activities such as visiting the affected areas and listening to the voices of the victims whenever a major disaster occurs in Japan.

Many of the people must have derived courage and peace of mind from how the Emperor has prayed for peace and order in society.

In light of the situation in which the current Imperial family is deeply loved and........

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