Crown Prince Akishino declined to discuss Japan's revised Imperial House Law at a news conference held on Thursday at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo, saying he would refrain from making any remarks on the legislation despite having 'various thoughts' about it.
Crown Prince Akishino declines to comment on revised Imperial House Law at Tokyo news conference
Crown Prince Akishino declined to discuss Japan's revised Imperial House Law at a news conference held on Thursday at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo, saying he would refrain from making any remarks on the legislation despite having 'various thoughts' about it.
The revised Imperial House Law, enacted last month, allows the imperial family to adopt male paternal-line descendants of the 11 former Imperial Family branches and enables female members of the Imperial Family to retain their Imperial status after marriage. The law is designed to secure a sufficient number of Imperial Family members.
At a news conference in June, before the revised law's enactment, Emperor Naruhito said he hopes discussions on the number of imperial family members 'will be something that gains the understanding of the people.' Crown Prince Akishino said at Thursday's conference that he agrees with the emperor's remarks.
Asked whether the revised law has room for improvement, the crown prince said: 'What is important in society is to make progress so it is important for various people to think about how things should always be.'
Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko are scheduled to visit Paraguay from Tuesday through Aug. 26 to mark the 90th anniversary of the first Japanese emigration to that country. The crown prince said he is traveling to Paraguay for the first time in 20 years, having previously visited without the crown princess following the birth of their son, Prince Hisahito. Crown Princess Kiko said she was thankful for the opportunity to make her first visit to the country.
The crown prince also expressed a wish for his son, Prince Hisahito, and his second daughter, Princess Kako, to live happily. The couple offered condolences to victims of a major earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28 and expressed sympathy for those affected.
- The source does not state the specific date of Thursday's news conference beyond 'Thursday.'
- The source does not explain what specific aspects of the revised law Crown Prince Akishino had 'various thoughts' about.
- The source does not state the precise date of the law's enactment beyond 'last month.'
- The source does not state the details of the Kumamoto Prefecture earthquake beyond its occurrence on July 28 and its characterization as a 'major' earthquake.
- The source does not indicate whether Emperor Naruhito or other imperial family members have commented on the revised law since its enactment.
Read the original at The Japan Times