World
Japan's Parliament Revises Imperial Law, Maintains Male-Only Succession
Japan's Parliament adopted a revision to the Imperial House Law (Kōshitsu Tenpan) on July 17, 2026, marking the first significant modification since its enactment in 1947. The reform maintains male-only succession while expanding the imperial family circle. It enables the reintegration of collateral branches excluded after World War II and ensures princesses retain imperial status if they marry civilians. Japan currently has only three eligible heirs to the throne.