She’s popular. She’s a princess. And it’s her birthday. What could go wrong?  

Japan’s Princess Aiko turned 23 on December 1. She started taking on more official duties. Even so, people are asking: Will Aiko get to stay a princess? 

Aiko is the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. She graduated from university in 2024. Since then, she’s been doing princess tasks while also working at the Red Cross Society. (The Red Cross is an organization that protects human life.) 

But in the background looms a big, traditional Japanese law. It’s called the Imperial House Law, and it was made in 1947. It says that if Princess Aiko ever marries outside the imperial family, she can’t be a princess anymore.  

Is that a just law? Most people in Japan don’t think so. They want to change the rule. They want Aiko to be allowed to stay a royal and eventually become emperor (or empress). But others insist that only males should be allowed to rule.  

Here’s the major problem for the Japanese imperial family. It is tiny. Only 16 members remain. And only four of those are men. That includes the current emperor. 

Under the current law, three men could inherit the throne. Emperor Naruhito’s brother, Akishino, is crown prince. He is first in line. His 18-year-old son, Prince Hisahito, is second. Last comes Emperor Naruhito’s 88-year-old uncle, Prince Masahito. 

What happens to the Japanese throne if none of these three take it? 

It’s a dilemma. Japanese officials search for a way to find a new emperor without relying on women. Could they allow the royal family to adopt new male members from once-noble families?  

Others say women should be allowed to rule the empire.  

What does Princess Aiko think? She hasn’t yet shared her thoughts with the public.    

Why? All governmental authority is appointed by God. Still, people often disagree about who should lead them and why.