On Friday, July 17th, 2026, Japan revised its imperial succession law to guarantee the supply of male heirs to the throne. This move comes amid growing public support for a female Japanese Emperor, driven in part by the popularity of a princess. However, the country's first female prime minister opposes changing the law to allow a female sovereign. The revision maintains the traditional male-only succession rule, reflecting ongoing debates within Japan about the future of the imperial family.

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