Panel Backs Women on Japanese Throne .

[arnisador]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051025/ap_on_re_as/japan_imperial_succession

An advisory panel on Japan's monarchy will propose allowing women to ascend the throne, the chairman said Tuesday, in a boost to a measure that has broad support in Japan and could relieve pressure on the imperial family to produce a male heir.

I'm not sure if tinkering with a monarchy like this is a step forward or not. Maybe they should just abolish it! Are the Japanese ready for such a step? I know the royal family remains popular there.

Eight women have reigned in Japan since the legendary crowning of the first emperor in 660 B.C., including two who assumed the throne twice. But Japan hasn't had a female monarch since Gosakuramachi, who ascended the throne in 1763 and abdicated in 1771.

 

[Rich Parsons]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051025/ap_on_re_as/japan_imperial_succession



I'm not sure if tinkering with a monarchy like this is a step forward or not. Maybe they should just abolish it! Are the Japanese ready for such a step? I know the royal family remains popular there.

I think their culture is ready to seriously discuss it, and that the younger generations that have more women working are willing to consider it.

 

[arnisador]

Meanwhile...Princess Chooses Love Over Palace Life
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051115/ap_on_re_as/japan_royal_wedding

The only daughter of Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko married a childhood friend Tuesday and began life as a commoner after moving out of the royal palace and giving up the title of princess so the wedding could take place.