The following are questions and answers about changes to Japan's Imperial House Law enacted by parliament on Friday.Q: Why has Japan revised the Imperial House Law?A: The revision to the 1947 Imperial House Law aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the world's oldest hereditary monarchy as the number of imperial family members continues to decline.Only male members of the imperial family who descend from the emperor through the male line can ascend the throne, while female members lose their imperial status upon marrying commoners. The family now has 16 members -- five men and 11 w…READ FULL ARTICLE
