Key Facts
• December 18: LDP Policy Chief Kohei Kobayashi revealed discussions on revising the Imperial House Law.
• Kobayashi requested the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) to present their stance but received no response.
• LDP aligns with Japan Innovation Party, Komeito, and Democratic Party for the People on succession proposals.
• December 2: Kobayashi met CDP Deputy Leader Sumio Mabuchi to request their position.
• Two proposals under discussion:
– Allowing female royals to retain status after marriage.
– Adopting male heirs from former imperial families.
• CDP expressed concerns over insufficient consent mechanisms for adoption proposals.
• Kobayashi emphasized the urgency of addressing the declining number of imperial family members.
• LDP plans to refine its stance and continue engaging with CDP.
• Discussions aim to proceed in a calm and respectful environment.
Summary
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is pushing for bipartisan discussions on revising the Imperial House Law to ensure stable imperial succession. Policy Chief Kohei Kobayashi disclosed that the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) has yet to present its stance despite repeated requests, including a meeting with CDP Deputy Leader Sumio Mabuchi on December 2. Two key proposals are under review: allowing female royals to retain their status after marriage and adopting male heirs from former imperial families. While the LDP supports the latter, the CDP has raised concerns about the lack of proper consent mechanisms. Kobayashi highlighted the urgency of addressing the declining number of imperial family members and stressed the need for respectful and thorough discussions. The LDP plans to refine its position and continue engaging with the CDP to bridge the divide.
