Exposing Nikkei Asia’s Fake News
Nikkei Asia has once again published an opinion piece that disparages the Japanese Imperial Family. It claims things like “Japan’s conservatives are putting the monarchy at risk” and “Public opinion wants reform, but traditionalists stubbornly cling to male-only succession.”
Nikkei Asia is an overseas-oriented media outlet. In other words, this is a clear scheme to spread disinformation abroad and create a fait accompli that “Princess Aiko’s enthronement is accepted.” This is nothing but disrespectful foreign media interference in Japan’s internal affairs.
This is a blatant distortion of facts.
• Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko has no right to succeed to the throne. The Imperial Household Law clearly stipulates that succession is limited to “male descendants in the male line belonging to the Imperial line.” If an “Empress Aiko” were installed, it would amount to usurping the throne from the legitimate heirs: His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino and His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito.
• The unbroken tradition of bansei ikkei (one imperial line from time immemorial) that has been preserved for over 1,300 years, along with Japan’s national identity, would be severed. The world’s oldest dynasty and its supreme authority would be reset.
The adoption proposal is the correct solution.
Welcoming male-line males from former imperial houses as adopted sons into the Imperial Family is a joyous act that redeems the humiliation of the shinseki kōka (demotion to commoner status) forced by GHQ. A recent Sankei-FNN joint poll shows 57% in favor.
Why does Nikkei Asia so aggressively promote the “Princess Aiko as future Empress” narrative that would overturn Imperial traditions?
Most Japanese people want to protect the male-line succession that has lasted for more than 2,000 years.
We strongly oppose any attempt to politically exploit the Imperial Family and destroy its traditions.
Let us safeguard the eternal bansei ikkei Imperial line. 🇯🇵