Target: Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan
Goal: Advocate for re-inclusion of women in royal line of succession.
Japan has a royal mess on its hands. As Emperor Naruhito advances in age, concerns have arisen about the lack of available heirs in the royal lineage. The current emperor does have one child: a daughter, and a respected humanitarian who has earned broad popular support. But the mere fact that she is a woman has excluded her from assuming the title of empress. Likewise, the brother of the current emperor also has two children: a son and a daughter. One has expressed little to no interest in the royal lineage. The other has likewise become popular among the people. Guess which one is the woman and therefore excluded from holding the title.
The Japanese parliament recently took on the issue and made key revisions. Formerly excluded branches of the family tree would now be included in the lineage. Women could retain their royal status, even if they married commoners…but only for the purpose of producing a son. Despite opinion polls demonstrating more than 90 percent support for a future empress, women will still be excluded from the highest royal position. The parliament twisted themselves into knots to ensure misogyny will stay entrenched, in spite of a storied past that has included eight empresses.
Sign the petition below to speak out against this archaic decision.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Prime Minister Takaichi,
The Prime Ministry recently declared “stable royal succession” as “extremely important” and an “urgent issue.” The parliament’s answer to this urgent matter was to dilute the direct line of descendance and to make every concession – from adoption to reinstatement – that will ensure Japan never has another empress.
You cannot call this tradition, because eight empresses have reigned previously in Japan. Only an 1890 dictate forced the rigid patriarchal system in place today. Progress is usually measured by moving forward, but perhaps in this case the best path is into the past…a past when Japan was not weighing a false choice between a 90-year-old, men entirely uninterested in the royal lineage, distant cousins, or the woman who has become – through her own merits – beloved and respected by the people. Ninety percent of Japanese citizens support a future empress. Ignore them at this ancient institution’s own peril.
You showed what was possible when you became Japan’s first female prime minister. You, more than anyone, should not be championing the notion that males are “the only source of the emperor’s authority and legitimacy.” Make your legacy one of empowerment, not oppression. Support alterations to the Imperial House Law that will truly make a difference for future generations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: 外務省
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