Should Princess Aiko rule instead? Faced with no male heirs, the Japanese people support an empress — but conservatives say that only men can sit on the Chrysanthemum Throne.
No men means Japan’s monarchy to end
Potential empress: Many Japanese people believe the law should change so that Princess Aiko can become the country's next ruler. Glossary
Dynasties - Rulers who all belong to the same family, passing their power down from one generation to the next over a long period of time.
Conservative - Holding traditional values, and in a political context, favouring policies such as private ownership.
Legitimate - Allowed by law.
Patrilineal - Tracing family descent and inheritance strictly through the father's side of the family from one generation to the next.
Chrysanthemum Throne - The traditional English name for the throne or office of the Emperor of Japan, named after the chrysanthemum flower used as the royal crest.
Aristocratic - Belonging to the highest levels of society — the top of the upper classes.
Elite - The richest, most powerful, best-educated or best-trained members of society.
Imperial House of Japan - The official name for the Japanese royal family, which includes the Emperor and his relatives who have official royal duties.
Sexism - A belief that one sex is superior to or more valuable than another sex.