The Imperial Household Council

[seto]

Originally Posted by Emily

Haven't they read about the troubles animals have breeding in captivity? Perhaps the opposite approach would have been best -- send her off to an island with Naruhito for an extended stay. Wouldn't it be great if she returns from this trip pregnant?!

In a way yes it would relieve some of her stress. But then again if she has another girl it would be just the same.

[caroline mathilda]

The traditionalists in Japan would maintain that it is impossible for Aiko to become Empress (or any woman) as the Emperor as a male is seen to be a descendant (in fact a diety before the post WWII MacArthur revisions) of the original Sun Goddess ( ironic, yes?). Daily, he has to participate in Shinto religious rites in the Palace as the earthly link to the mystical past. As Shinto priests are all male, the person who sits on the Imperial throne has to be male or an Emperor.

I think changing Succession laws in Japan will be a lot more complex culturely than just an act of Parliment. It goes back to the religious beliefs and the mythical core of how traditional Japanese see themselves. It may just not be the right time. I think after the entire WWII generation passes, a more pragmatic viewpoint may emerge. Remember, those who lived through or fought in WWII were brought up to view the Emperor as Divine.

I support a constitutional monarchy which at least lets the children, male or female, of the Emperor suceed to the Throne, exactly as Elizabeth II became Queen of England after the death of her father, George VI. Ideally, the eldest child of the sovereign, regardless of gender, should inherit.

Caroline Mathilda

Originally Posted by Toledo

she could pick up courage and yes, throw some furniture...on the head of the Prime Minister himself since he leads that Imperial Household Agency.

The Prime Minister leads the meetings of the Imperial Household Council ( a Constitutionaly mandated group) . The secretive Imperial Household Agency(IHA) is the bureaucratic organization which runs the Family's affairs.

The Imperial Household Council is similar to the British Privy Council ( ig the PM serves on this Council).

The Imperial Household Agency is similar to the Royal Household. (The Queen's powerful Private Secretary serves in this group).

The current Prime Minister is probably the best political ally that Masako and Aiko have ever had.

Caroline Mathilda

[Charlotte1]

Originally Posted by caroline mathilda

The current Prime Minister is probably the best political ally that Masako and Aiko have ever had.

Caroline Mathilda

Probably but don't give him too much credit as Koizumi ( the current prime minister) is a populist who wants to leave a historical mark and be remembered in history. ( Through his policies and reforms)
He had no real interest in changing the sucession laws until, opinion polls showed that most Japanese would accept a female Emperor. Then he became the champion of female sucession. But as soon as Kiko's pregnancy was announced he could have pass the sucession bill in parliament but instead shelved it ( there's no rush, let's wait and see) His term in office runs out in September so even if Kiko's baby is a girl, he won't have time to get the sucession laws changed.

(The same opinion polls that favoured female sucession, after Kiko's pregnancy was made public came back and showed that, yes female sucession was OK if there was no other choice. Chance of a boy, leave them as they are)