With the sides at odds, an agreement across the imperial line seems elusive; Diet leaders hold hearings with opposition

It is unlikely that the ruling and opposition parties will reach an agreement during the current session of the Diet, which ends on June 23, on how to ensure a stable succession to the imperial throne.

The heads and deputy heads of both chambers of the Diet listened to opinions on the issue from members of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and other parties at the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Friday.

With the CDPJ calling for further discussion, the rift between it and the LDP and other parties remained wide open. Given the expected difficulty in reaching an agreement during the current session of the Diet, some have called for talks to continue after the Diet adjourns.

The House of Representatives and the House of Representatives held two rounds of talks between the government and opposition parties. Both blocs have generally agreed to prioritize discussing measures to secure a sufficient number of imperial relatives, which is an urgent issue.

There are two questions: whether female members of the Imperial Family should retain their Imperial status after marriage, and whether male descendants of male lines from former branches of the Imperial Family should be granted Imperial status through adoption.

The leaders and deputies must listen to the views of each party and faction separately to reach a consensus on these two issues. Friday was the first day we could hear their opinions.

The CDPJ agreed with the need for female members to remain in the imperial household after marriage. However, the party reiterated its position that consideration should be given to granting imperial status to their spouses and children.

The CDPJ also said that it was necessary to have a thorough discussion on the content of the proposal, as well as on the proposal for adoption.

After the discussion, CDPJ member and former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told reporters: “I believe we should make a decision soon.” However, he added that it would be difficult to reach an agreement during the current Diet session.

Members of the Japan Innovation Party were also asked for their opinions. JIP Secretary General Fumitake Fujita and other members joined the discussion and stressed that ruling and opposition parties should continue discussions to reach a consensus even after the Diet session.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a policy at the Liberal Democratic Party convention in March to accelerate discussions on the imperial household issue to appeal to conservatives in his base.

Meanwhile, the two chambers of the Reichstag would monitor two different steps. While Lower House Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga is keen to reach a consensus quickly, Upper House President Hidehisa Otsuji wants further consultation on the issue.

There is still a large gap in objectives between those involved, and it is unclear whether the discussions after the Diet session can be pushed towards consensus.