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."

"Nothing at All": Why Hongkongers Can't Afford Collective Apathy

A charity showing of Herman Yau's newest movie prompts thoughts about exclusion, fairness, and societal duty in Hong Kong

Invited by a close friend, I was honored this past Saturday to attend a charitable film event organized by SideBySide, an independent nonprofit community organization.

The movie selected for the occasion was We're Nothing At All a newly launched emotional film directed by experienced filmmaker and writer Herman Yau Lai-to.

Although he is well-known for his commercially successful works, Yau does not hesitate to address social problems in his movies.

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Cinema enthusiasts are likely to recall his earlier creations, including The Untold Story (1993), Ebola Syndrome (1996), From the Monarch to the Head of Government (2001) and Whisper and Moans (2007), each focusing on various popular societal issues of that era.

His newest movie begins with a heartbreaking bus explosion in the center of town on Valentine's Day, when a double-decked vehicle detonates, killing numerous passengers.

A former forensic specialist, Lung (portrayed by Patrick Tam Yiu-man), is called upon to head a police inquiry regarding a fatal explosion. With help from a younger officer named Raymond (acted by Wong You-nam), Lung's examination uncovers the personal histories of two young individuals, Fai (performed by Anson Kong Ip-sang, a member of the boy group Mirror) and Ike (played by singer Ansonbean), each dealing with their own challenges in life.

Keeping the essence of the original message intact but using different wording: This compelling film delves into complex issues like familial disapproval, household violence, financial hardship, exclusion, societal bias, and unfair treatment through the captivating relationship between Fai and Ike, without revealing key plot points.

The movie concludes with its main musical number, God Blesses Us (By Candy Lo), prompting the audience to reflect deeply.

In the discussion following the screening, Yau mentioned that the film's title was deliberately designed to allow for multiple interpretations. He was accompanied by Tam and Ansonbean, who discussed with the viewers their understanding of the roles they portrayed and the lessons they learned from participating in this demanding project.

The conversation continued to examine ways to increase support for underrepresented groups. Justice Poon Siu-tung, chairperson of the executive committee at SidebySide, urged every part of society to minimize stereotyping and discrimination, and to demonstrate greater respect towards those surrounding them.

Individuals involved in our criminal justice system will recognize the efforts of SidebySide throughout the years.

Founded in 1957, SidebySide highlights the significance of providing empathy and assistance to individuals who are marginalized or rejected by society. It offers various recovery programs for those involved with the legal system, former offenders, or other at-risk, susceptible populations, with the objective of improving their quality of life and achieving successful return to the community.

Apart from recovery programs, its offerings now include aspects like societal integration, psychological well-being, skill enhancement, cultural diversity promotion, and awareness campaigns.

Regarding public education, a particular acknowledgment should be given to SidebySide's Mock Trial Justice Education Program.

By participating in simulated court trials, held consistently since 2007 with assistance from legal experts and backing from educational institutions, individuals—such as high school pupils—are assigned positions like prosecutors, defense attorneys, accused persons, and eyewitnesses.

This allows them to develop a deeper comprehension and respect for the rule of law, the idea of fairness, unlawful actions, and community obligations.

Returning to the movie, one striking scene shows these words painted on a wall inside their modestly equipped converted apartment where Fai and Ike reside: "When there is an avalanche, no snowflake is innocent."

This particular scene is believed to be influenced by a well-known saying from the Polish-Jewish poet Stanislaw Jerzy Lec: "No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible."

A typical understanding of this phrase suggests that during a widespread crisis, each person blames others, believing their individual role was too small to have made a difference.

As the camera moves downward, the inscription on the wall states: "On this lovely day, we conclude our less-than-lovely existence."

There is no question that this remains just as relevant now. Numerous disasters might have been prevented if all individuals had accepted their responsibilities and put in more effort. A key lesson I've drawn from We're Nothing At All Is it possible that if each person takes greater efforts to prevent widespread indifference, our society would certainly transform into a more pleasant place to reside?

Eugene Yim SC once served as an honorary secretary and financial officer for the Hong Kong Bar Association, and he specializes in civil litigation.

"Legal Tales" is a weekly feature written by senior figures from the Hong Kong Law Society, offering their insights on contemporary issues.

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Eight Generations of Family Wealth: The Secret Behind a Lasting U.S. Legacy

The Norton Laird family has maintained its fortune across eight generations through the creation of a family committee and educating successors starting at the age of 14.

After marrying at age 24, Jill Gardner knew very little about her husband's family business . Her spouse is part of the fifth generation of the family associated with the U.S.-based investment company Laird Norton, as per Business Insider .

Her fascination with the company started following the arrival of their first daughter. "While researching our family heritage, I became completely captivated," she mentioned.

The Laird Norton family gathering held in the United States during 2019. Image taken from the company's official website.

Gardner mentioned that she was raised alongside two brothers, and frequent communication became harder following the passing of their parents since they lost the shared purpose that once united them. However, within her husband’s family, she noted that the family business serves as this unifying factor, with 551 members spread across seven countries who all have ownership stakes and participate in the company.

Gardner currently holds the position of Family President, responsible for facilitating connections among family members worldwide. In addition, she assists in producing the family's publication, which features updates on relatives, family gatherings, and significant personal milestones. The family has recently celebrated the arrival of its first member from the eighth generation.

A business spanning 170 years of development

According to the regional historical encyclopedia, William Harris Laird, Matthew G. Norton, and James L. Norton established their company in 1855 through a sawmill located in Winona, Minnesota. HistoryLink .

In 1955, the company relocated its main office to Seattle, Washington. Today, its holdings are overseen by Laird Norton Company, which specializes in private equity and... real estate investments and Laird Norton Wealth Management, valued at over $15 billion according to a digital financial advisory platform Wealth Management .

Gardner stated, 'We have differences on every topic imaginable, yet we concur on choosing the appropriate course of action for the company.'

Jill Gardner, the Family President at Laird Norton. Image taken from the company's official website.

She credited the family's sustained achievements to Norton Clapp, a member of the third generation and son of the founder Matthew G. Norton. He was instrumental in defining Laird Norton during the middle of the 20th century and created a management structure that kept family matters distinct from company activities.

A Family Council was established to speak for the members and issue publications highlighting family updates, hobbies, and significant milestones. Important business choices are managed by a board of directors chosen by the family, which includes seven individuals from within the family and five outside members.

The family also created the Laird Norton Family Foundation to involve the family in philanthropy as a means of enhancing familial bonds.

Laird Norton has historically included in-laws within its leadership structure. Son-in-laws have been part of decision-making processes since the second generation, and this tradition has later extended to daughter-in-laws, such as Gardner.

Each year, the family organizes a gathering that merges stockholder discussions with team-building exercises.

"While my husband was growing up, the company wasn’t as focused on involving family members. His cousin peers humorously refer to themselves as 'the forgotten generation,'" Gardner stated.

The family has lately launched fresh efforts aimed at enhancing bonds between relatives, particularly with the younger members. Approximately 350 family members are set to come together in Salt Lake City during the upcoming summer. As adults take part in stockholder gatherings, the kids will engage in their own distinct summer program.

Gardner mentioned that her kids like going to these gatherings as they get to spend quality time with their cousins.

Family members become involved with the business starting at age 14 via sessions explaining the family's activities. The firm provides internships and holds an every-two-years gathering for individuals between 21 and 40 years old to enhance their understanding of the business and its future objectives.

Maintaining an eighth-generation enterprise requires significant effort. Organizing gatherings that promote engagement with the company and relatives enables us to safeguard the Laird Norton family heritage," she stated.