The only child of the Japanese imperial family, Princess Aiko, has often been treated with great affection in recent years. During the emperor's recent visit to Nagasaki, people gathered along the roadside, chanting "Aiko, Aiko."
Aiko turned 24 on December 1. And her fans are once again calling for the change of the "only male line" principle of succession to the throne of Japan. Under current law, the emperor's only child, Aiko, does not have the legal right to become empress.
The issue of allowing women to ascend the throne has remained unresolved for years. The situation has become even more tense in recent years, as the imperial house faces the threat of a shrinking line of succession. There is now only one legitimate heir from the younger generation: Emperor Naruhito's teenage nephew, Prince Hisahito.
Experts warn that if the ban on women is not lifted soon, the existence of the imperial family could be seriously threatened.
However, conservative political forces, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, continue to oppose the changes.
Princess Aiko has enjoyed widespread public sympathy since she began acting as an adult member in 2021. Among the Japanese, she is perceived as intelligent, kind, caring, and funny.
Her popularity has especially grown since her first official independent visit to Laos in November, during which she introduced her father, Emperor Naruhito. During the six-day visit, Aiko met with senior Laotian leaders, visited historical and cultural sites, and interacted with locals.
She has also accompanied her parents on several visits to Nagasaki and Okinawa this year. Aiko is following her father's example, emphasizing the importance of passing on the memory of World War II to young people, the Associated Press writes.
