Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara briefed the speakers and deputy speakers of both houses of parliament on June 19, 2026, regarding proposed amendments to the Imperial House Law [1].
The proposals aim to ensure the survival of the monarchy by stabilizing the number of imperial family members [1]. Because the current system limits succession and membership, the government is seeking legal pathways to prevent the family from shrinking to a critical level.
Kihara presented two primary options to the legislative leaders at the Speaker of the House of Representatives' official residence in Tokyo [1]. The first plan would allow female members of the imperial family to remain in the royal house even after marriage [1]. The second proposal involves adopting male-line descendants from former imperial branches back into the family [1].
Under the adoption plan, the government suggests that male descendants from former imperial houses who are 15 years of age or older could be welcomed back [2]. This approach seeks to maintain the traditional patrilineal descent, while expanding the pool of eligible members.
Kihara said, "Today, I reported the outline of the amendment to the Imperial House Law to the speakers and deputy speakers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, and it was generally approved."
Legislative consensus on these directions has been developing over several days. Reports indicate that the speakers and deputy speakers held talks on the 5th [3], followed by a general meeting on the 8th [3]. By the 10th, a general consensus among the various political parties, and factions had been reached [1].
The legislative body indicated it would accept both the proposal for female members to remain after marriage and the adoption of male-line descendants [1].
“Female imperial members may remain in the family after marriage.”
These proposals represent a dual-track approach to a succession crisis. By combining the modernization of female roles with the restoration of former imperial branches, the Japanese government is attempting to balance progressive social shifts with the deeply traditional requirement of male-lineage succession.
