Protocol in the Imperial Family of Japan

[Elspeth]

All our members have a right to criticise royal individuals, institutions, and systems as long as they do so without resorting to insults, offensive language, or speculation and gossip. If a person feels that a royal system should be updated, that person is free to say so, and if a person feels that the system is better left alone, that person is also free to say so - with reasons given in both cases, preferably.

[fraxales]

Thanks - I hope I didn't everstep the mark. I was trying to say that it's up to the Japanese, ultimately, to decide what's best for them. Sometimes things appear harsh to certain people but to others who've been brought up with them it may be just plain ordinary.

[eg. I have NEVER said "Good morning" to my parents - we had to ask for their (religious) blessing and they gave it, and when we were kids we had to kiss their hand as well. Strange for some, normal for us!]

[Amina]

Originally Posted by fraxales

Firstly, that's your opinion and, secondly, I don't think it's your call to make - or right to criticize them. At all times, I'm sure anyone is able to leave the Imperial Family should they so wish (though, I'm sure, they'd be strongly advised against it). Also, these aren't rules made "willy nilly" by the IHA - I'm sure most of these aren't even written but come down the ages (and I mean the last 2500 years!). Much of them also form part of Japanese culture and tradition and like everywhere else in the world, some still adhere to them while the younger generations are eager to change. In any (traditional) Japanese household, I think the man is still regarded in that light. And from what I read above, the rules of protocol aren't very different to the British, for instance. Prince Phillip should really be walking about three paces (which, Im sure, is the length of her shadow) behind the queen (can't remember the exact number). The REAL problem is that people (like Princess Diana) marry into this rigid form of life they were never really exposed to and the transition is never easy.

Read your comments with interest. Like Alexandria said everyone here is entitled to criticise as long as they are respectful.

What i would say is that it is absolutely fine to have traditions and protocols AS LONG as they do not 'crush' the spirits or stifle the people whom they effect and who have to live within that system. From what i've read in the media (& i know they are not always a reliable source of information) and on these forums CP Masako has had a REAL hard time adjusting to life within the rules of the IHA agency.

Protocol is fine but they are not worth keeping as they are if they lead to Crown Princesses like Masako having nervous breakdowns.

At least Princess Diana got to travel abroad frequently and to use her talents whenever and where ever possible. Something that CP Masako has not had much opportunity to do.

Yes, it is up to the Japanese people to reform their protocol. Hopefully when CP Naruitho (i've forgotton how to spell his name!) becomes emperor then he will be able to reform the rules of the IHA.

[CrownPrinceLorenzo]

I read somewhere (I think it was Wikipedia) that they actually broke protocol when they allowed Akishino to marry ahead of Naruhito because he was waiting for Masako.

I guess the older brother is supposed to marry first or something.