Prince Hisahito Turns 20 Amid Controversy Over Male Only Succession Rules Prince Hisahito's 20th birthday has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding Japan's recent revision to the Imperial House Law.
The changes, enacted by Parliament in July, reinforce male only succession rules and have sparked widespread criticism from Japanese citizens who see them as an attempt to maintain a patriarchal system.
Experts argue that the revisions will perpetuate a culture of male privilege and reinforce the notion that women are inferior to men.