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90% in Japan support idea of reigning empress: survey

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What's the point when the Emperor or Empress has no power nor Empire?

3 ( +12 / -9 )

The title does not equate to the nation state. Japan was historically united by the current monarchy after rulling over numerous kingdoms.

If India were to have a monarchy, surely it would be better to style him or her as emperor even though it is only one nation technically?

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

90% in Japan support idea of reigning empress: survey

The 90 percent that don't count, like so many other decisions in Japanese political, socioeconomic scene.

2 ( +15 / -13 )

90% in Japan support idea of reigning empress

I support the idea of disbanding the entire imperial system, along with all systems of royalty across the world.

The idea that, in this day and age, a certain family is considered "better" than the rest of us is utterly absurd and, on a social level, completely wrong. And that's before we even consider just how much money/resources are expended on their upkeep and security.

Anyone who supports such a system is, in my opinion, a fool.

-1 ( +13 / -14 )

I cannot imagine the old fossils in government going along with the idea, even if 90% of those questioned do.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

Well, it doesn't really matter what the people think because the conservative dinosaurs and rightists run the show and they don't want to things to change. Some even still believe the emperor is descended from heaven. Imagine that in the 21st century.

-6 ( +10 / -16 )

Who's the woman at furthest right? She's gorgeous!

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Of course women should be able to ascend the throne. Look at how great monarchs Queens Elizabeth the First and Second have been in the United Kingdom! Moreover, a woman is less likely to approve of traditions that are pointless or unfair, and more likely to champion if needed the cause of women in society generally. No bad thing at all.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

Who's the woman at furthest right? She's gorgeous

The emperor's cousin. Single, according to my wife.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I am for either as long as they work and pay for all their expenses.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Who cares?!! They do nothing

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

Not a big fan of hereditary monarchies, but if Japan is going to have one, it's time they got with the program. They had empresses millenia ago, it's time to make Aiko ojousama the new heir to the throne. The people have spoken :)

6 ( +8 / -2 )

But how does Aiko feel about it? A bird in a cage! I bet that is the last thing she wants to do!

4 ( +7 / -3 )

I see no problem with a woman being empress. I see no problem with an APOLITICAL and politically neutral royal family independent of govt.

While no longer allowed political power, royalty serves a vital role in historical continuity, national unity and as a personification of the nation.

Members of the royal family can visit the ill, attend to victims of natural disasters and other calamities, while also celebrating local, regional and national achievements and festivals

Royalty is a national comfort food

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Let them have an Empress and throw in Sokagakkai in the mix. What could go wrong? The kancho culture continues.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Either stick with men only and give them a better to play or some power over something - or scrap the entire thing.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

This must and always be a matter for the J people to decide.

Cultural/tradition allowing.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

What's the point when the Emperor or Empress has no power nor Empire?

true

However the Japanese constitution is changing and having an Empress would create more balance in a male dominated society and internationally japan would gain more respect by accepting women more equally

The first ruler of Japan was an Empress

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The government has established advisory panels to solicit views from experts over the years on the issue of imperial succession.

really? so in other words, wasting more money for nothing?

Just do it, the idea of an emperor, and more so without actual power is yet another archaic tradition that needs to go away.

Start fresh, do something else with all of these time consuming things.

Why not have them, start a day care center or something? Have them retrain the homeless and useless at home shut ins and help them ease back into the workforce?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Michael TewellToday 08:38 pm JST

Members of the royal family can visit the ill, attend to victims of natural disasters and other calamities, while also celebrating local, regional and national achievements and festivals

Umm... anyone can do that. You don't need leeching royalty to do it.

royalty serves a vital role in historical continuity, national unity and as a personification of the nation.

Many nations have rid themselves of their royal families without any issues. Royalty certainly wasn't a vital role for those countries, and I don't think it would be for Japan either.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

i think going with virtual ai or cardboard cutouts would garner more than 90%.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Japan will decide it at its time..

Their country..

Their rules..

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

What's the point when the Emperor or Empress has no power nor Empire?

Represents the spirit and union for the nation..

Japan's monarchy is the only one in the world to have a bloodline with the first emperor that has historical evidence..

-11 ( +1 / -12 )

How do Okinawan's feel about the Emperor? Showa never visited Okinawa for some reason.

Represents the spirit and union for the nation..

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

How do Okinawan's feel about the Emperor? Showa never visited Okinawa for some reason.

That doesn't change the fact that Okinawa is Japan and the Emperor represents ALL Japan..

A sovereign, prime minister or president can't be an omnipresent human being..

Sorry no bonus..

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

The oldest imperial family, which is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records, will be abolished.

That's quite an exciting story.

First of all, who would be happy if the Imperial Household, which is defined as the symbol of Japan, was abolished? The Japanese Communist Party is a proponent of abolishing the imperial family. In other words, the imperial family is a huge nuisance for the Communist Party.

GHQ confiscated the assets of the imperial family and paid for them through taxes. As long as the assets are not returned, it is only natural that the imperial family will be run using Japanese taxes.

Also, as the term "imperial diplomacy" suggests, its position in the world is above that of the Pope, and it is respected and revered.

Which country is happy about the loss of the imperial family and the decline in Japan's diplomatic power?

It also serves as a unifying force for the Japanese people. Emperors in the male line have been a special existence for the Japanese people since mythology. Should a new person go after the earthquake? There is no one to replace you.

And which country does not want its imperial family and Japanese people to unite?

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Wonder why they don't have several wives to ensure heirs.

Dressing as penguins does not help either.

Imperial family should show the way being dynamic and vigorous, not silent and out of touch to the commoners.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Emperor decides if his bloodline shall continue by male only. He may listen to his people but does not change the fact the imperial family is dwindling like the population. No one knows if Aiko is able to have children so problem remains.

Wishing them good luck.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Of course women should be allowed to become empress, if it were up to me. Love these funny photos they are so serious, it always gives me a good chuckle.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japan's monarchy is the only one in the world to have a bloodline with the first emperor that has historical evidence..

However the first ruler of Japan was an Empress and of a completely different bloodline

How do Okinawan's feel about the Emperor? Showa never visited Okinawa for some reason.

I doubt Hirohito never visited Okinawa

Regardless Okinawa is Japan

Perhaps your referring to the Ryukyuans

In my personal experience living in Japan the majority ive met who shared their opinions of the royal family weren't fond of it because it's male dominated and what happened during the showa era.

Personally i think it would be awesome if Japan had an Empress or better yet no imperialism at all .

Especially given the fact Japan wants to be or is supposed to be a democracy.

I doubt the imperial family would disintegrate.

An Empress would undoubtedly push for equality ,less war . and be more kind to the people and environment.

Get rid of the LDP and thier superiority agenda

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Agent_NeoToday  02:47 am JST

The oldest imperial family, which is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records, will be abolished.

That's quite an exciting story.

Not really, because it's completely untrue.

First of all, who would be happy if the Imperial Household, which is defined as the symbol of Japan, was abolished? The Japanese Communist Party is a proponent of abolishing the imperial family. In other words, the imperial family is a huge nuisance for the Communist Party.

Sounds like anti-communist paranoia.

Also, as the term "imperial diplomacy" suggests, its position in the world is above that of the Pope, and it is respected and revered.

Suggests to you, maybe.

Which country is happy about the loss of the imperial family and the decline in Japan's diplomatic power?

As for the latter, maybe a few countries. As for the former, I doubt any of them even care.

It also serves as a unifying force for the Japanese people. Emperors in the male line have been a special existence for the Japanese people since mythology. 

Not any more. I think Japanese people have been weaned off that mentality since the end of WW2. They might like the tradition of having a monarchy, the only people who still believe in male emperors with a divine mandate or some such nonsense are geriatric male conservatives. The survey results speak for themselves.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The whole thing is meaningless. Japan has no empire, so why does it have an emperor? And in any case, the "emperor" has no power whatsoever. The last one had to get permission from Kunaicho to abdicate!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

owzerApr. 28  09:25 pm JST

Either stick with men only and give them a better to play or some power over something

So why shouldn't an empress also get some power over something?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Japan's monarchy is the only one in the world to have a bloodline with the first emperor that has historical evidence..

Emperor Jimmu? Believe that and I will show you his grave in Nara prefecture, which is also fake.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Former Japanese royal, Princess Mako, gave up her title and money to marry a commoner, and now works as a volunteer in NYC....I think she just known now as Mako Komuro.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Doesn't matter if it's 99%, so long as the old men in the 1% that are in power have their say. Some 80% or so were for an Empress when it was only princess Maiko and the men in power were in full-blown panic, even talking about bringing back old laws that allowed the Emperor and Imperial Family members to take on concubines to get a male heir and avoid the whole disaster that would be a female on the Chrysanthemum throne. They simply will not listen and will not let it happen... ever.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan's first emperor was a man, but why was it supposed to be a woman? There were several female emperors, but the male emperors were only appointed as regents because they were young.

In other countries, it would be easy to guillotine the royal family, but in modern times there will be no way to stop the imperial family, which even GHQ could not abolish. And most Japanese people don't want that.

Let's think about it after all the royal families are gone from the world.

Only communists want to abolish the imperial family, but that is not a delusion. The other thing is that communists are not only of no use to this world, but are currently only a bane.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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