Tokyo: The Japanese parliament has approved a historic amendment to the 19th-century Imperial Household Law, a significant move that continues to restrict the ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne to males of paternal descent. This decision further solidifies Japan's male-only succession tradition amid ongoing debates about gender and royal succession rights in the country.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the recent amendments to the law include provisions that allow for the adoption of distant male relatives to create a pool of future heirs. Additionally, the amendments permit princesses to retain their royal status even after marrying commoners, a shift from previous norms where they would lose their royal status upon such marriages.

The amendment has gained attention due to the popularity of Princess Aiko, the 24-year-old daughter of Emperor Naruhito, who is not eligible to ascend the throne due to her gender. Despite her popularity and the public's support for her potential succession, the current male-only rule means that the teenage nephew of the emperor, Prince Hisahito, remains the more likely candidate as the second in line to the throne.

The passage of these amendments highlights the ongoing discussions in Japan regarding the future of its imperial family and the potential for future reforms.