How many steps forwards - or backwards - for Japanese royal ladies?

Breathed a sigh of relief on behalf of Princess Masako at the recent news that the Japanese government was considering legal changes that would allow for girls to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne as Empresses.

Then, whoa, there was this piece about Prince Tomohito, a cousin of Emperor Akihito and fifth in line for the throne, pouring cold water on the whole idea. His views were echoed by the Foreign Minister, who happens to be his brother-in-law. It seems Prince Tomohito's views are seen as reflecting that of the imperial family. Well, being conservative is one thing, but he seems to be harking back to the rather distant past because one of his alternatives (to allowing females to ascend the throne) is to bring back the practice of taking concubines! I suppose that would increase the chances of male heirs being produced, but I wonder what his wife (and mother of is 2 daughters) thinks of that suggestion. Before we slam the man, though, I suppose we should understand that he is but a product of the system, a still very conservative imperial system, and, well, perhaps that is the way many imperial family members think.

Then there is Crown Prince Naruhito's sister Princess Sayako's, impending marriage to a commoner, Naruhito himself being the last person to have married a commoner (Masako). Masako became a Princess because she married Naruhito, the Crown Prince. But Sayako will cease being princess because she marries a commoner. Her children, male or otherwise, will not be in line to succeed to the throne. That is one thing, and I suppose she is fully prepared and accepting of that, but the other thing is will she be able to cope with life as a commoner, having lived her 35 years so far as a royal? For her sake, I hope it turns out well for her and that she doesn't get stressed out and depressed, etc, as did Masako when she became a commoner-turned-royal.

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my ajumma notes

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