Japan’s Prince Hisahito, the imperial family’s last hope for long-term survival, makes official media debut

A possible option for a female heir is Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito. The 23-year-old princess is popular with the Japanese public and in a direct line of descent, but the law bars her from becoming an empress.

“She is accepted as a possible successor to the throne. Almost 80 per cent of (Japanese) people favour the option,” said Daisaburo Hashizume, a specially appointed professor at Shizenkan University. 

“(But) there’s a hard line to pass through because very conservative loyalists are against the change of the Imperial House Law.” 

The clock is ticking. If Princess Aiko marries, she will also have to leave the imperial household. 

The government is deliberating its options, but it is unclear if parliamentarians will come to a conclusion to revise the law any time soon.

If they do not act fast, the imperial family – whose history is believed to date back some 2,600 years – may disappear, said observers.

This will be a major change for Japan, as the royal family plays a significant symbolic role.