Japan rejects UN suggestion to review male-only imperial succession law
Tokyo to ensure no funding goes to Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women, says foreign ministry
Japanese Emperor Naruhito (4th, L), Empress Masako (5th, L), their daughter Princess Aiko (4th, R) and other imperial family members wave to well-wishers from a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo during a New Year greeting event on January 2, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.
ISTANBUL
Japan announced Wednesday it will take steps to counter a UN committee’s suggestion to review the country’s male-only imperial succession law.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Toshihiro Kitamura said Tokyo will ensure that its contributions to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights do not fund the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
Japan contributes about 30 million yen ($193,000) annually to the UN human rights office, which oversees the committee, but those funds have not supported the panel since at least 2005, Kyodo News reported.
Tokyo’s decision follows the panel’s recommendation last year that Japan review the 1947 Imperial House Law, which restricts imperial succession to male heirs from the emperor’s paternal line.
Japan previously defended the law, arguing the succession system is a fundamental aspect of the country’s traditions and should not be subject to criticism.
Despite Japan’s stance, the UN panel condemned the male-only succession rule as “contrary to the object and purpose” of the UN convention aimed at eliminating discrimination against women.
