World
Japan: Parliament expands imperial succession without opening the throne to women
On July 17, 2026, Japan's Parliament approved legislation expanding imperial succession rules, according to La Repubblica. This reform addresses the progressive shortage of male heirs to the throne. Female members of the imperial household will now be able to retain their title even if they marry someone without nobility rank. Members from eleven cadet branches of the extended imperial family will also be integrated into the main imperial family. However, women remain explicitly excluded from the line of succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne.