Princess Aiko remains unable to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne under the male-only succession law, despite growing public support and advocacy that intensified following her celebrated 24th birthday and documented official duties.The law, rooted in the 1947 Imperial House Law, leaves Prince Hisahito as the sole eligible young male heir and continues to require female royals to renounce their status if marrying commoners, shrinking the imperial family further.Activists like
Yoshinori Kobayashi and conservative lawmakers led by Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi fuel the debate, as the government resists United Nations recommendations to consider female succession amid concerns about the dynasty’s survival.