The Latest Breaking News from Imperial Household Agency

Japan relaxes royal succession law but women still can’t become emperors

New measures will also allow princesses to keep their royal status if they marry a commoner

The Independent UK · Jul 17

Japan changes imperial succession law but keeps ban on female emperor

Japan's parliament on Friday enacted changes to imperial succession rules, allowing male distant relatives to rejoin the imperial family and women to retain royal status after marrying commoners. The legislation, however, keeps the ban on female emperors despite opinion polls showing broad public support for allowing women to ascend the…

France 24 · Jul 17

Japan's imperial family is diminishing. Plan for male-only succession could make it worse

A law set to pass Friday by Japan’s parliament could doom its 1,500-year-old hereditary institution by insisting that only men can be emperor, sparking worry about the shrinking, fast-aging imperial family

The Independent UK · Jul 17

Imperial family's New Year greetings to resume

The Imperial family will offer New Year greetings at the Imperial Palace for the first time in three years to a limited number of well-wishers who applied in advance, the Imperial Household Agency announced.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Nov 2, 2022

Imperial security on alert as trips to resume

Police in charge of guarding the Imperial family have been on increased alert as the family members are to bring their visits to regional areas of Japan back into full swing this autumn.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Sep 29, 2022

Imperial agency eyes reviving regional visits

With the Emperor and Empress unable to visit regional areas for more than 2-1/2 years due to the pandemic, the Imperial Household Agency is closely monitoring various events, including J.League soccer matches, to help devise measures to prevent infection and allow the couple to resume their trips.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Jul 7, 2022

Emperor, Empress view Ryukyu art treasures in Tokyo

The Emperor and Empress on Wednesday attended the "Ryukyu: Special Exhibition Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Okinawa's Reversion to Japan" at the Tokyo National Museum in Taito Ward, Tokyo.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · May 26, 2022

Emperor's online activities illustrate strong desire to be close to the people

Sunday marked three years since the Reiwa era began with the Emperor's accession to the throne on May 1, 2019.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · May 2, 2022

Emperor Emeritus, Empress Emerita to move back to Akasaka residence in April

The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita are expected to move back into the former Akasaka Imperial Residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo, in April, the Imperial Household Agency has announced.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Mar 4, 2022

Prince Hisahito to enter Tsukuba University's high school

Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, has been admitted to the University of Tsukuba's high school in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, and is expected to begin his studies there in April, the Imperial Household Agency has announced.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Feb 16, 2022