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Japan's 2 imperial heirs to fly on separate planes to Bhutan

39 Comments

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39 Comments
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Must be nice to have luxurious, tax-payer funded holidays.

-4 ( +12 / -16 )

Then again, my "luxurious" holidays are tax-payer funded by this taxpayer.

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

The Japanese government maintains male-only succession rules.

Really? No kidding? Never heard this one before, and here I thought all along that Japan was a progressive, country!

1 ( +9 / -8 )

The only thing I like about America is that there is no royal family; on the other hand, even with private insurance, healthcare is crazy expensive in America. $200 for filling at the dentist! In Japan that would be about 3,000 yen. I think it evens out in regards to tax money that goes to the royal family.

And remember it was McArthur, the American General, who basically saved the emperor and the imperial system. The Japanese would have revolted in mass numbers if the Americans killed their “God”.

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

Separating the airplanes is the better way. But discussing the matter of throne succession rule is more important. Because Prince Hisahito is the only male grandchild of former emperor. It's a crisis of imperial system in Japan.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Must be nice to have luxurious, tax-payer funded holidays.

Feel free to not use any of the public services provided by other taxpayers. You do realise that the amount of tax you pay is minuscule in the grand scheme of the Japanese economy.

4 ( +14 / -10 )

Is this where all my residents tax is going.....???

-5 ( +8 / -13 )

Think of the carbon emissions and waste involved in using two planes.

What if that tree behind them in the picture suddenly fell on both of them? If the government is so worried about the succession then these two should never be in the same place at the same time.

But even if the worst did happen, the "rules" would be changed and a new emperor would be found.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Feel free to not use any of the public services provided by other taxpayers. You do realise that the amount of tax you pay is minuscule in the grand scheme of the Japanese economy.

This is relevant in what way to taxpayers funding the holidays if the imperial family?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Think of the carbon emissions and waste involved in using two planes.

The article says they are on commercial flights, I don’t think they’re making much of a difference in terms of carbon footprint by taking this decision.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

No different to what any other country would do - Serious over reaction by most of you as always.

Also, om commercial flights, not like they are taking the Governments 777's.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

You can bet that the flights won’t be in economy class!

4 ( +6 / -2 )

@Chip Star

Must be nice to have luxurious, tax-payer funded holidays.

Really? For a kid? I'd take my family camping trips around Canada over state dinners and receptions.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Yes - A Kid. Who will one day be Emperor. Who you will accuse of knowing nothing of the outside world unless trips like this are taken. You can't have it both ways - you want the IH to modernize but criticize any sort of initative taken. Japan is a monarchy..as are many other countries and their Royal families are subsidized by the tax payer. If you are an insular American, of course you will find this difficult to understand, yet the UK Royal Family is one of the biggest draws in tourism to the UK for Americans!

No, of course the flight won't be in economy. That is 10 words you wasted typing.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

it better be paid out of their own pockets

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

The only thing I like about America is that there is no royal family; on the other hand, even with private insurance, healthcare... 

Gaijinland, with all due respect, I do not think anyone reading an article about Japan's imperial family gives a rat's behind about America's heath system.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

on and I still accuse him of knowing nothing about outside world unless he is travelling in economy with a backpack.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Is this where all my residents tax is going.....???

No, your residents' tax goes to flying your city mayor and prefectural governor to their holiday destinations.

It is your national income tax that pays for this trip.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Who cares.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

SOP - many organisations do not allow key staff to travel together.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Princess Kako for Empress!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

More taxpayers' money wasted, although this kind of attitude happens everywhere...

They were about to change the law regarding male-only heirs but at the last minute Kiko gave birth to Hisahito.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

did anyone miss the fact that it says "Commercial flight"?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Let women be Emperor.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Abolish all monarchies. This is the 21st century.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

@Toasted Heretic: If the majority actually thought that we'd have a lot less monarchies wouldn't we? Last successful revolution?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

If the majority actually thought that we'd have a lot less monarchies wouldn't we?

No... why would you think that?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Why would I think any differently? Countries have abolished monarchies over the years - Seems to have come to a grinding halt as the the majority of the population in the remaining countries still support their monarchies.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

If the majority actually thought that we'd have a lot less monarchies wouldn't we? Last successful revolution?

I'm not calling for a revolution (not in this case, at any rate) and I've nothing against them as people. I've often spoke of my admiration for the previous Emperor and Empress.

But there's no actual need for them. Think of all the good things your taxes could be spent on - education, hospitals, helping the poor and disadvantaged.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Actually It would be news if they DIDN’T separate them on the flights! But it does highlight the precarious position that the male only succession rules can place these royal families in.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

So true redelmotalking.

This actually makes sense. We all know why they must travel separately.

To comment on Toasted Heretic's opinion: "we don't need them" (am assuming the royal family of Japan); nevertheless, just a reminder: "Japan and her people need them".

We are paying taxes to Japan. If we don't like how the way our taxes are spent here, we can always voice out our concerns but do respect the royal family and their standings in this country; or we can take the next boat/plane out and pay our taxes to another country/government - and complain about the distributions there too.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

In the 21st century there isn’t a need for hierarchical groups based on nothing more than birth to be able to wield influence and power.

Especially when that power is funded by those less fortunate!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Do they travel on regular passports and if so what family name is on them?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Have a safe and happy journey,

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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