THE EMPEROR & I, FEMALE EMPERORS
Keywords: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW, EMPEROR, SEX DISCRIMINATION

Seems odd to discuss the issue when the Emperor is believed to be related to the Sun Goddess, and the historical fact that Japan had empresses  in past history. The real problem is that the Japanese royals have not had a male heir in nearly 40 years. The present crown prince has had one child, a girl and future prospects do not look promising. Not to mention modern trends on sexual discrimination. Thus the Japanese government established several commissions. One commission will study a revision to the Constitution. The Constitution presently makes the Emperor the symbol of the state, some want a revision to make the Emperor the Head of State. The Constitution also provides that succession to the office of the Emperor shall be based on inheritance, making no distinction between male and female. Thus some seek an amendment clearly providing for female emperors. It is the Imperial House Law that has required that the Emperor be male. Thus a separate commission will study a revision of the Imperial House Law to permit a female Emperor. This makes the argument that it may not be necessary to amend the Constitution. These commissions are expected to make their recommendations by late 2005.

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved Attorney Roderick H. Seeman

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