TOKYO - Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito on Thursday commented for the first time since the government revised the Imperial House Law to address the issue of the shrinking royal family, sympathizing with Emperor Naruhito who said two months ago he hoped for a solution that gains public understanding.
"I too have much to think about. I believe (the emperor) has a point, and I agree with him," he said at a press conference at the Akasaka Estate, ahead of an official visit to Paraguay next week.
Last month, Japan revised the 1947 Imperial House Law to permit the adoption of males from former imperial branch families and allow female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners. It retains the long-standing male-only succession system and will take effect on Oct. 24.
Emperor Naruhito has refrained from commenting directly on the issue, but said at a press conference in June concerning the debate, "I hope discussions on how to secure the number of imperial family members also gain the understanding of the people."
Imperial succession has been a pressing but divisive issue at a time when Japan has only three male heirs to 66-year-old Emperor Naruhito.
The latest legal revision does not mention female or maternal-line emperors despite public support for the idea. While female members, such as Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito, can choose to remain in the imperial family after marriage, their spouses and children will remain commoners.
"It is important for society to keep progressing. Is it not crucial for many different people to think about how things should be?" the crown prince said Thursday.
Regarding the role of female imperial family members, he said, "I believe the duty of the imperial family is to act in response to the requests of society...I do not think there are any differences between women and men."
The press conference was also attended by his wife Crown Princess Kiko. The couple is set to visit Paraguay from Aug. 18 to 26 to mark the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the South American country.
