Japan maintains male-only imperial tradition with succession law

Japan has upheld its male-only imperial succession tradition, continuing to bar women from ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne. The revised Imperial House Bill, highlighted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, reflects her conservative agenda after nine months in office. The decision maintains the current male-only line of succession, which has been a subject of debate due to the lack of male heirs in the imperial family. The law ensures that only males can inherit the throne, effectively excluding female members of the royal family from becoming empress regnant. This move solidifies Japan's traditional stance on imperial succession, despite calls for reform to allow female succession or female-line emperors.