national

Future of Japan's imperial dynasty rests on shoulders of 13-year-old

30 Comments
By Linda Sieg

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2019.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

30 Comments
Login to comment

I see, mostly Americans on this - "my country, right or wrong."

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Presidential republics are very prone to dictatorships (the US is the only one that has not yet devolved into a dictatorship).

For a parliamentary republic, It is easier for a prime minister to combine the role of president to become "the leader" (dictator), especially in times of "crisis."

Parliamentary monarchies are the most stable and most democratic. In many, the monarch can remove a dictator-prone prime minister and replace. That in addition to party removal, cabinet removal, and elections. Even in japan And Sweden with no reserve monarchical powers, the prime minister cannot assume a presidential role outside of parliamentary controls.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Conservatives want to revive junior royal branches stripped of imperial status after the war.

Where are they now?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Many countries in the world have Queens (including my native country) as Head of State.

Many great civilisations in the past have had Queens.

Maybe it's time to change, painful after 2000 years it may be.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Poor boy. He can say goodbye to any chance of a normal life. His path has been chosen for him. People often forget that monarchy is burden on the monarch's as well.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The Japanese Government and Monarchy have made big changes since the end of WW2, so I find it curious that the idea of next born, no matter the sex, is not embraced?

Surely, tactically, it would be a brilliant PR move?

Generally the youth would appreciate that change, well, at least 50% would love it!

Royal families around the world are facing pressure to either disappear or stop using the public purse.

Britain has agreed to remove the inheritance law of Primogeniture, as have Denmark (oldest Euro Royals), Norway, Luxembourg, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Just imagine, the first Empress!

So, get on with it Japan...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

the US was the first to overthrow the rule of monarchy, let this boy had a normal human existence

Is this what they’re teaching in the US? Makes me wonder if Americans know history before 1776.

Try the Roman Republic or even Athens.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Back on topic please.

Another awkward "family photo". At least our eyes are spared the tacky pegboard.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I remember when he was born. God I'm getting old.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Monarchy is just a meaningless word, The Emperor of Japan descends to earth. accepted for some 2,000 years, not something one or any Government can politically dismiss.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The issue with Monarchy in Japan lies in the same reasons as for the people : useless social pressure.

Check the GB royal family : get married a happy way, enjoy life (and sex) and babies arrive immediately and many...

The male only lineage is a tradition, no one outside the Japanese can decide the next step for them.

As a genuine Republican (not US way), I fight against paying others due to their birth status.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This monarchy is long past its place in time and should end. We simply cannot afford more tax burdens to support this endeavor while they enjoy the best of life and trips. The costs are growing each year and simply put has served its purpose. Time to wise up and use our taxes more wisely.

I couldn’t agree more.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

The male-only-monarchy seems illogical, sexist, outdated and undemocratic. But it’s a tradition that has continued for two thousand years and traditions often defy logic. The best solution to the heir problem would be to reinstate the imperial family branches that were abolished after WW2.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This monarchy is long past its place in time and should end. We simply cannot afford more tax burdens to support this endeavor while they enjoy the best of life and trips. The costs are growing each year and simply put has served its purpose. Time to wise up and use our taxes more wisely.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

My son is eleven. The only way I could do "pair look" (matching clothes) with him is if I wore a Nike tracksuit.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I have a lot of respect for the previous Emperor and his wife and it seems that the present Emperor and his wife also are respectable people.

I am not Japanese so it is not my place to say but as a taxpayer who pays a lot of tax in Japan it seems to me that tax revenue can be used better to help those truly struggling in this country (and there are many). On the other hand I believe earlier this year the current Emperor said some things related to the issue with Korea that seemed to calm everyone down. That did have value and although as HJSLLS correctly states the monarchy has no power I think the monarchy does have some "intangible" power for lack of a better word.

In the end it should be the Japanese citizens who decide.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Greeting his hosts in traditional hakamakimono and trying his hand at archery, the visit was rare public exposure for the boy on whose shoulders the future of the monarchy rests.

The monarchy has no power, so there is nothing of consequence that rests on his shoulders. It is fascinating how human civilizations can endow unnecessary social constructs with such value that artificial pressure is manufactured in order to maintain them.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Rather than spending billions of yen on the Monarchy, I suggest lets use of our hard earned taxes wisely. The Gov't should capped their spending too.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Royalty is the biggest fraud, in the history of humankind,

Agreed. Nobody is special by virtue of having chosen the correct parents.

> the US was the first to overthrow the rule of monarchy,

This is inaccurate.

let this boy had a normal human existence

Agreed. Take away his public subsidies.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

the US was the first to overthrow the rule of monarchy,

I would question that claim.

Gary

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Royalty is the biggest fraud, in the history of humankind, the US was the first to overthrow the rule of monarchy, let this boy had a normal human existence

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Hisahito's birth in 2006 was seen as a miracle by conservatives 

If they did, then they are really naive. Or liars.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Give Prince Hisahito some wiggle room. From birth Prince Hisahito is prepared for a lifelong role devoted in duty for/to the People and Nation. The Conservatives will have to sooner or later accept change though.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

.

This is a lovely, gracious family and tradition full of pageantry and majesty - however, really, in today's world ?

.

.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Barring any unforeseen medical issues, it will be at least 20~25 years before the current Emperor's reign approaches its close, if not longer.

And given that the current Crown Prince is only 6 years younger, one wonders if he will ever become Emperor.

A lot can happen over the next 20~25 years in Japan and, to be honest, how Japan deals with imperial succession will be the least of its problems.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

This is a pitiful cultural dead-end. And I love Japan! But....??????

15 ( +16 / -1 )

Yes, in true Japanese fashion, let's start piling the pressure on a 13 year old.

18 ( +22 / -4 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites