Princess Aiko’s popularity fuels calls for legal reforms in Japan, with the public urging the removal of male-only inheritance restrictions. 

Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito of Japan, enjoys exceptionally high public favorability, continuously fueling a heated debate over revising the male-only imperial succession system. Multiple polls show that as many as 90% of the public support Princess Aiko’s succession to the throne and allowing women to ascend the throne, far exceeding the level of approval for the current order of succession.

Princess Aiko, 24, has garnered widespread recognition for her approachable image, graceful demeanor, and charitable work. During her first visit to Laos, she achieved a 78% approval rating, far exceeding the performance of other members of the royal family during the same period. In contrast, Prince Hisahito, currently second in line to the throne, not only enjoys low approval ratings, but the extravagance of his coming-of-age ceremony has also sparked public discontent, further highlighting the shift in public opinion.

The current Imperial House Law adheres to the principle of male succession, but the Japanese Imperial Family has only five male members, with only Prince Hisahito among the younger generation, exacerbating the crisis of the Imperial Family’s survival. Although nearly 90% of the public supports a female emperor, conservatives are obstructing legislation on the grounds of maintaining the “unbroken imperial line,” and previous reform discussions in political circles have also ended without result.