Technology and philosophy

Monday, June 29, 2026

Editorial: Why Male-Line Emperors Are Harming Japan’s Imperial Future

Efforts have progressed towards amending Japan's Imperial Household Law for the first time since the adoption of the present constitution, aiming to ensure the continued operations of the imperial family. However, the core issue—establishing a clear route for secure imperial succession—has remained unresolved.

A suggestion for dietary improvements aimed at ensuring sufficient members within the Imperial Family has been developed. The majority of political parties have endorsed a strategy allowing female descendants of the Imperial Family, such as Princess Aiko, who is 24 years old and the child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, to maintain their titles following marriage. Additionally, this approach includes provisions enabling males from previous branches of the imperial family to be adopted into the Imperial Family. However, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, which serves as the primary opposition group in the House of Councillors, rejected the idea of adoptions.

According to the Imperial Household Act, a woman within the royal family who weds someone not part of the dynasty forfeits her imperial title. Among the six single individuals in the Royal Family belonging to generations below the current emperor, five are females. The only male among them is Prince Hisahito, the 19-year-old firstborn son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko. Without intervention, this trend will continue unchecked, leading to further reduction in their ranks.

It is appropriate to honor the desires of the women within the Imperial Family and let them decide if they wish to stay part of the family. Both the governing and opposition parties largely concur on this matter. As this issue significantly impacts the personal lives of female members of the imperial household, it must be implemented as soon as possible.

The question of whether the husbands and children of women in the imperial family should also be included in the imperial lineage was central to discussions, but an agreement remains postponed at this time. This is due to concerns from the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and others that granting membership to these individuals might result in an emperor descending through the maternal line.

However, some argue that if spouses and offspring continue to be regular citizens, enjoying constitutional rights to participate in politics and economics, there is a possibility the Imperial Family might be taken advantage of. The present-day Imperial Family performs its official responsibilities as a unified family, making it reasonable for husbands and children to also be part of this familial structure.

At the same time, it raises concerns that the proposal to include adoptive individuals who have a paternal lineage tracing back to an emperor as part of the imperial family was approved.

The people in question would be descendants of the 11 former branch houses that left the Imperial Family about 80 years ago. It is doubtful that the public would accept, as objects of respect, people who were born and raised as ordinary citizens. Some also argue that this would amount to discrimination based on family lineage, which is prohibited by Article 14 of the Constitution. Tracing the male line, their blood relationship to the current Imperial Family is distant, and one would have to go back as far as the Muromachi period (approx. 1336-1573).

According to an opinion survey conducted by Mainichi Shimbun in May, 63% favored permitting women from the Imperial Family to keep their titles, whereas backing for the adoption proposal stood at just 36%.

Article 1 of the Constitution indicates that the Emperor's role comes from "the will of the people." The LDP along with its allied party Nippon Ishin (known as the Japan Innovation Party, or JIP), clearly mentioned in their joint agreement that implementing this plan was their main focus; however, this does not truly reflect the will of the general population.

Firstly, the proposal to include males from previous branch families into the imperial family was not included in the 2005 report prepared by an expert committee during the Junichiro Koizumi government. This decision was made due to concerns regarding public comprehension and acceptance, as well as issues related to stability and traditional practices. In order to maintain the current structure, the committee supported the possibility of having female and maternal-line emperors.

Approximately half of Japan's former emperors had mothers who were consorts, yet this practice does not align with modern societal values. So long as there remains a strong commitment to preserving the paternal lineage, women joining the imperial family will face significant expectations to bear a son. Maintaining such a structure would prove very challenging.

With the progress of women within society and increasing examination of gender-based roles, societal values have evolved. The Emperor’s position as a symbolic figure is upheld not solely through tradition and lineage, but also due to the public's comprehension and empathy.

Following World War II, the imperial family has adapted well to changing societal circumstances, such as accepting wives from common people.

According to a Mainichi survey, 72% of people support having a female emperor. If the issue of permitting female rulers and those from the maternal line isn't addressed, the system could face an impasse, both structurally and regarding societal perception.

Nevertheless, House of Representatives Speaker Eisuke Mori stated during a press briefing on June 8 that if a boy was born to an adoptive family member, he would be eligible to inherit the throne. This statement contrasted with the Diet's proposed plan, which sought widespread consensus, revealing the LDP's genuine commitment to maintaining the male lineage.

After the specific legislation for amending the Imperial Household Act and enabling the resignation of current Emperor Emeritus Akihito came into effect in 2017, a joint resolution approved by both the governing party and the main opposition urged the administration to explore methods for securing consistent imperial succession and establishing branches headed by women within the royal family. However, the 2021 report from the government’s advisory committee suddenly introduced an adoption proposal without addressing the core issue of succession.

The present Diet plan is merely an improvised solution aimed at maintaining the size of the Imperial Family, and it fails to address the key problem directly. A fresh group of specialists needs to be formed, and the discussion should begin anew with greater depth.

The present imperial household has aimed to remain "close to the people," which has garnered backing. However, should the family move excessively away from public awareness due to intense endeavors to preserve the custom of male-only inheritance, it would lose its legitimacy as the "emblem of the nation and the representation of national unity."

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Supreme Court: Cosmetic Tattoos Not Considered Unlicensed Medical Practice

The highest judicial authority has decided that individuals without medical training cannot face penalties for conducting aesthetic tattooing services like eyeliner and forehead line tattoos. This represents the initial instance where the court implemented its updated ruling, set by the Supreme Court as a whole body just last month following 34 years of previous guidelines, stating, "Aesthetic tattoo procedures carried out by those without medical qualifications do not qualify as unauthorized medical activity."

The Third Division of the Supreme Court (presided over by Justice No Kyung-pil) concluded the case of aesthetician A, resulting in an acquittal for alleged violations of the Health Crime Control Act as an unlicensed medical professional on the 11th.

Person A faced charges for conducting semi-permanent eyebrow and hairline tattoos on 14 customers between March and June 2019 at a beauty clinic located in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, earning more than two million South Korean won. The prosecutors claimed that tattooing, which includes puncturing the skin using needles to insert color, qualifies as a medical procedure under the Medical Services Act, asserting that A, who lacks medical qualifications, performed unauthorized medical activities.

Nevertheless, both the initial and subsequent trials found A. Not guilty. In the first trial held in 2022, it was determined that the phrase "medical act" within the Medical Services Act should be understood narrowly, referring exclusively to activities connected with illness prevention, identification, therapy, or comparable functions. The court decided that eyebrows and hairline tattooing have no connection to treatment and can be carried out by individuals without medical qualifications provided they receive appropriate instruction and maintain proper sanitation standards, therefore not falling under the category of medical acts. The second trial confirmed the verdict of innocence.

Last month on the 21st, the full bench of the Supreme Court updated its previous ruling, noting, "Although tattooing may sometimes be done by healthcare practitioners, it is usually conducted by individuals without medical training. Standard cosmetic tattoo services provided by those without medical licenses do not qualify as practicing medicine without authorization." This represented the initial modification in legal guidance after 34 years.

After the en banc ruling, the Supreme Court rejected the prosecutor's appeal and concluded with A's innocence. The court remarked, "The lower court's verdict stating that the tattooing process was not considered a medical procedure and therefore led to A's acquittal is justified."

Prosecutor Demands 8-Month Sentence for YouTube Spy Claim

The prosecutor asked for an eight-month jail term for a YouTube content creator who alleged that Kim Hee-young, head of the T&C Foundation and girlfriend of SK Group CEO Chey Tae-won, worked as a Chinese intelligence agent.

Judge Kwon Min-jeong from the Criminal Division 6 of the Seoul Eastern District Court conducted the initial hearing on the 11th for Park, a man in his 50s, who has been brought to court charged with defamation via misleading information under the Information and Communications Network Act. Park had previously received an indictment without being detained in April.

Park is charged with disseminating misleading information, such as claiming on his YouTube channel last year that Kim was highly likely to be a Chinese spy.

The prosecutor asked the court to impose an 8-month jail term on Park, saying, "The accused made unfounded and unreasonable statements and posted videos of those comments, which worsened the severity of the offense."

Park confessed to all the allegations.

The trial judgment for Park is scheduled for the 9th day of the following month.

Supreme Court Confirms 5-Year Sentence for Jagyeongdan Missionary

On the 11th, the Supreme Court approved a five-year jail term for a woman charged with producing explicit content involving sexual abuse and engaging in acts akin to rape against a child, during her involvement with 'Jagyeongdan,' South Korea's most extensive sex trafficking organization.

The Third Division of the Supreme Court (led by Chief Justice Oh Seok-jun) confirmed the decision made by the lower court, dismissing the appeal filed by Defendant Ms. A regarding allegations of membership in or managing a criminal group and breaching the Child and Adolescent Protection Act (which includes producing materials related to child sexual abuse).

Jagyeongdan was a pyramid scheme operating through Telegram, established in 2020 under the leadership of Kim Nok-wan. The organization gathered personal details from people who shared images of their bodies on social platforms, women who sought arranged meetups, and males attempting to access Telegram's 'Acquaintance Humiliation Room.' Victims were coerced into providing explicit photographs, which were subsequently utilized for producing and spreading sexually abusive content. It has been discovered that Kim Nok-wan was involved in several real-life sexual attacks as well. With 261 victims, including children, this figure surpasses triple the amount seen in the "Doctor’s Room" incident headed by Cho Joo-bin, which had 73 victims.

Kim Nok-wan, who called himself a 'pastor,' gave titles such as 'missionary' and 'potential missionary' to followers while engaging in acts of sexual exploitation. Ms. A, serving as a missionary within Jagyeongdan, was charged with creating child pornography and attempting rape against a male underage victim.

The initial and subsequent court proceedings resulted in Ms. A receiving a sentence of five years in jail along with three years under supervised release. Throughout the legal process, Ms. A asserted, "I was simply an instrument forced by Kim Nok-wan's intimidation and had no intention of participating in criminal activities," however, the highest judicial authority dismissed this claim. The ruling emphasized, "Her involvement in linking victims to Kim Nok-wan played a central and crucial role in the sexual exploitation offenses," acknowledging her as a joint offender due to her direct actions like generating explicit content for certain individuals.

Nevertheless, the Supreme Court found Ms. A not guilty of being part of a criminal organization, determining that Jagyeongdan did not have enough structural organization to qualify as a criminal group according to the Criminal Act. The court supported the previous decision, noting, "No proof exists that Jagyeongdan was capable of systematically committing crimes independently of Kim Nok-wan."

In the initial and subsequent trials related to the Jagyeongdan incident, Kim Nok-wan was sentenced to life in prison. He has filed an appeal against the decision from the second trial, and the Supreme Court is now examining the matter.

Cambridge Organist Dies After Falling into River Cam

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A celebrated young Cambridge University an organist who has performed at the renowned Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols ceremony, which is aired globally each year Christmas Eve passed away following what seems to be a drowning incident in the city.

Harrison Cole, aged 25, is thought to have slipped into the River Cam near King’s College Chapel — where the Christmas concert takes place — on Saturday.

Emergency responders rushed to the location the next day following a call about a corpse found in the water near a place called the Backs, where multiple colleges border the river.

He was removed from the shallow river, typically crowded with punt boats throughout the day, yet he was pronounced deceased on-site.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police stated: “We received a call at 9:20 am on Sunday regarding a body found in the River Cam, Cambridge.”

The man's death is not considered unusual, and the case has been referred to the coroner.

Harrison, an member of the Royal College of Organists, earned a Master's degree in Music from Trinity College, University of Cambridge, and received his diploma in 2023.

Before appearing at the 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, he stated it was "a great joy and honor" to take part in this globally recognized event.

He had earlier enrolled at the tuition-charging Ipswich School as a sixth-form music student.

Former students of the old institution, known as Old Ipswichians, have included Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and H. Rider Haggard, the writer of "King Solomon's Mines."

Harrison additionally dedicated three years to the Royal Academy of Music's Junior Department, where he learned organ under Anne Marsden Thomas, who has served as Director of Music at St Giles Cripplegate Church in London since 1982, home to three pipe organs.

After taking a gap year with an organ scholarship at Wells Cathedral in Somerset, where he performed alongside the Cathedral Choir during daily Evensong, special ceremonies, and world premieres of new compositions, he began his studies at Trinity College Cambridge as an organ scholar in 2019.

After completing his studies, he worked for a year as an assistant organist at Gonville and Caius College prior to starting his role at King’s in September 2024.

While working there, he supported the choir during recordings, radio appearances, and performances, including two Festivals of Nine Lessons and Carols, as well as trips to Australia, Estonia, the United States, and Canada. He also performed at Westminster Abbey.

Harrison was scheduled to depart from King’s this summer and had just received appointments as assistants at St Paul’s Knightsbridge and St Michael’s Cornhill in London.

In a statement released by King's, it was mentioned that from these "two major music institutions," he was ready to pursue a freelance career as a pianist, organist, and conductor.

"The whole college community has experienced this sorrow deeply, especially the choir and chapel groups," said Provost Gillian Tett.

Our minds are with his family and those dear to him during this sorrowful period.

A digital profile from March mentioned that Harrison was working on "future initiatives in Slovenia and Singapore."

Apart from his passion for music, he was typically immersed in reading an excellent book, attending plays, and exploring art museums. His enthusiasm extended to studying philosophy and historical subjects as well.

While serving as Assistant Organist for King’s College choir, he was tasked with helping train the young singers, along with accompanying them during recordings, performances, and live transmissions.

A representative from King's College stated: "We were deeply saddened by the unfortunate passing of Harrison Cole."

He was an accomplished musician and a cherished part of our community, someone who will be greatly missed by numerous people.

We are striving to assist the students and faculty affected by this tragedy within our community.

We won't be making additional comments at this point in consideration of his family's private matters.

A representative from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust stated: 'An ambulance, a paramedic vehicle, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance were dispatched to Queen's Road in Cambridge early on Sunday after reports of someone in the water.'

'Colleagues from Fire and Rescue helped bring a man back to shore, however, unfortunately, despite everyone's best attempts, the individual had passed away on site.'

The Christmas Eve ceremony known as A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been conducted at King's College Chapel since 1918.

It premiered in 1928 and is currently enjoyed by approximately 370 million listeners annually, as per BBC data – with numerous fans considering it the beginning of the holiday season.

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Under continuous scrutiny from supporters of Cheong regarding Democratic Party of Korea Representative Song Young-gil's support for Kim Kwan-young, an independent contender in the June 3 local election race for governor of North Jeollanam-do, Song remarked on the 11th, "We should prioritize unity rather than discord."

Previously, on the 30th day of the previous month, Song stated during a YouTube stream, "It's inconsistent for the Democratic Party to remove Kim Kwan-young and concentrate their efforts on North Jeolla," noting, "As Kim was also selected by President Lee Jae Myung, this choice should be made based on the opinions of local voters." This occurred as Kim, who had contested the party's move to banish him and subsequently campaigned independently, competed against the Democratic Party's candidate Lee Won-taek.

As a reply, Lee Sung-yoon, a member of the Pro-Cheong Faction's Supreme Council, shared on Facebook on the 7th, "Are you attempting to weaken the party's leadership?" and expressed criticism, saying, "The statements and behavior of former Representative Song are reckless and represent significant damage to the party." The next day, Representative Yoon Joon-byeong remarked, "Song Young-gil, who publicly backed the independent candidate Kim Kwan-young and engaged in acts of disloyalty—shouldn’t he be considered responsible?" and continued, "It feels awkward just to think of him as a possible leader within the Democratic Party."

Lee Won-taek, who won against Kim in the election, shared on Facebook the day before, "Song Young-gil's actions detrimental to the party should face disciplinary measures." The newly elected representative stated, "Song's comments violated those within the party who tirelessly fought to safeguard Democratic Party candidates throughout North Jeolla, constituting an intolerable breach of loyalty."

The song didn't explicitly respond to these critiques. Rather, he shared a post on Facebook on the 11th, mentioning an interview with President Lee Jae Myung featured in *The Economist* the day before. The piece stated, "Since the country became democratic, over half of South Korea's presidents have faced impeachment or imprisonment," and also mentioned, "President Lee admitted that the chance of him falling into this harmful pattern is 'very likely.'"

Song said, "I was shocked when the president talked about the history of impeachment and detention of previous presidents and acknowledged, 'There's a good chance I could become a victim.'” He added, "My recollection of saying goodbye to President Roh Moo-hyun in May 2009 remains clear," and questioned, "What have we understood, what should we remain cautious about, and what do we need to safeguard amidst this sorrow?"

Song stated, "We've already experienced the painful reality of how severe the divisions within the Democratic Party can become." He further noted, "These splits haven't strengthened us; too much harsh critique and blame between each other, once they go beyond bounds, eventually block progress towards bigger objectives."

Song stated, "People who look in the same direction don’t have to blind each other," and emphasized, "We should prioritize the common good rather than feelings, embrace inclusivity instead of separation, and promote solidarity over conflict." He ended with, "Let’s support the Lee Jae Myung administration using the strength of unity and strive to improve citizens' lives."

Nottingham Stabbing Victim Fumes as Killer’s Father Breaks Silence After Inquiry Delay

The mother of Nottingham Stabbed victim Barnaby Webber has criticized the father of her son's assailant following his long-awaited statement regarding the incident.

Emma Webber claimed that Amissao Calocane "refused" to provide the families with clear information by offering "ambiguous and diluted" details regarding his mentally unwell son Valdo's actions before the 2023 tragedy.

Three years ago over the weekend, Calocane attacked and stabbed 19-year-old Mr Webber, his friend and fellow first-year student Grace O'Malley-Kumar, as well as 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates in a violent assault in Nottingham city center.

He subsequently drove Mr. Coates' delivery truck into pedestrians, causing serious injuries to three more people, before being finally subdued in an incident that caused widespread alarm across Britain.

However, although Calocane's mother, Celeste, and his brother, Elias, provided testimony during a public investigation of the incident, Amissao reportedly received specific authorization to avoid doing so.

Three testimonies submitted to the investigation, which concluded last week following three and a half months, have recently been released, in which Amissao stated he had "no clear recollection" of his son's deteriorating mental state or other significant incidents.

He also couldn't recall a discussion from several hours prior when Calocane stated he no longer wished for his mother, who was a nurse, to reach out to him.

In response to his testimony on social media, Ms. Webber stated: "The unclear and weakened written statement from Calocane Senior is preventing us from receiving the answers we deserve."

He was allowed to avoid appearing even though there were many requests from the victims and their families' legal representatives. This choice was one we all strongly disagreed with.

Only statements provide one-directional communication.

Regrettably, we are helpless and restricted by the choice." "It's unfortunate, but we have no control over this decision." "We're unfortunately stuck with the outcome of this choice." "This decision leaves us feeling incapable of acting." "Unfortunately, our hands are tied by what has been decided.

Mr. Calocane stated he was unaware of his son's actions until the day after the tragic event.

He stated: "When they (family members) saw me, they inquired whether I had received any news regarding Valdo."

I stated that I hadn't, and at that moment, they displayed the news on television and informed me about what occurred in Nottingham.

Initially, I found it hard to accept as real.

It took me quite some time to come to terms with what actually occurred – it was only after watching the footage of Valdo that I understood his actions.

The relatives of the victims have been seeking information regarding Calocane's concerning actions in the period leading up to his attack, as well as wanting to understand what steps the villain's family took.

Ms. Webber said: "This is significant and it applies here."

His offspring ruined my family. He took my son away from us.

Isn't it only right for me/us to deserve the opportunity to receive answers and the truth?

The investigation learned that Calocane had been placed under compulsory detention four times within the three years prior to the incident on June 13, 2023, yet he kept being sent back to society even though worries were raised regarding his worsening conduct.

A consulting psychiatrist once cautioned that he "might kill someone" at the time of his initial detention in 2020.

He has a record of violent behavior and was said to have attacked two coworkers at the factory where they were employed only weeks prior to the incident.

However, Leicestershire Police who arrived at the location were unaware that Calocane had an active arrest warrant issued by Nottinghamshire Police for supposedly attacking an emergency responder — a mistake acknowledged by the rookie officer on site as "an operational error."

Calocane consistently deceived healthcare workers in Nottingham, declining a particular medicine due to his claimed anxiety about syringes – even though he had received COVID vaccinations.

He was transferred back to his general practitioner approximately nine months prior to the incident, following his failure to participate with the specialized mental health team.

It emerged that the mental health team had raised issues regarding the detention of Calocane, who hails from Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, for fear it might be perceived as discriminatory.

He received a lifelong hospital directive after admitting guilt for murder based on reduced accountability.

The families continue to be angry because the prosecutors did not pursue a murder charge and are demanding a meeting with the government to discuss their choices.

The investigation will be required to present its conclusions within one year.