Not every day does the Emperor of Japan reach such a significant age as 65 years. So, thousands of citizens from the Land of the Rising Sun gathered this Sunday in front of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to cheer for Naruhito as he appeared - as is tradition on such special occasions - on the balcony of the impressive building to celebrate his birthday.
The sovereign was accompanied in his anticipated appearance by his wife, Empress Masako, and also at both ends of the balcony by his only daughter, Princess Aiko, as well as by his brother Akishino and his wife, Princess Kiko.
In his message to the people, he expressed his hope for a world at peace, in a year that also marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as reported by Efe. Naruhito referred to the many lives lost in these two cities and in the ground battle in the Okinawa archipelago, emphasizing the importance of passing on stories and lessons from the past. He expressed hope that younger generations actively work to learn about war.
At a time when the world faces war and other crises, the respected sovereign stated, "greater cooperation and collaboration on the international stage are required to create a peaceful world, as well as a society that respects different values." This message can be interpreted as a call for multilateralism and respect for international law, especially at a time when, for example, the arrival of Trump in the White House questions the rules of the society of nations in conflicts such as that in Ukraine.
The Japanese head of state is not considering retirement, to which his fellow citizens are entitled at this age, among other reasons because the current Constitution and the strict laws of the imperial household do not provide for the abdication of the sovereign. It is enough to remember how complicated it was for Naruhito's father, former Emperor Akihito, to step down in 2007 at the age of 85, with significantly weakened health that prevented him from continuing to fulfill the demanding duties of his position. He succeeded with a legal amendment ad hoc after months of intense political debates that led to a complex institutional crisis.
Naruhito, in any case, is still a young man, with enough energy to continue leading the country. Furthermore, he is very aware that he cannot show any sign of weakness as a monarch, at least until Japan's irresponsible ruling class manages to agree on approving reforms that dispel the worrying specter of the possible extinction of the imperial family. Just like that. As it sounds.
The Chrysanthemum Throne has been occupied by the same dynasty for 2,000 years -126 emperors so far-. However, recent kingdom Constitutions have decreed the Salic Law, which only grants succession rights exclusively through the male line. This poses a significant problem when, as if under a curse, the imperial family is running out of male heirs. Today, the only possible successors to Naruhito are his brother Akihito, the current Crown Prince, and the only son of Akihito, Prince Hisahito, who has just turned 18 and will soon have his own coronation ceremony, a milestone with which the country will celebrate both his coming of age and his full integration into the representation duties of the oldest reigning monarchy on Earth. For now, Hisahito will hold his first press conference on March 3, a highly anticipated occasion.
The issue is so concerning that for several years now, the two chambers of Parliament, the House of Representatives -equivalent to our House of Representatives- and the House of Councillors -Senate- have been holding discussions, with the participation of various expert panels, to amend the Imperial House Law to ensure the future of the Monarchy. So far, all in vain. Because the most staunch conservative sectors that currently dominate Japanese politics -despite nearly 90% of citizens being in favor of women being able to ascend to the throne- are putting a stop to all proposals on the table.
Ending gender inequality in access to the highest state office is not fully accepted by the ruling elite. But approval is also not given to other proposed solutions that have been considered for years, such as allowing princesses to remain in the line of succession after marriage and granting them the ability to pass on succession rights to their children -at least ensuring dynastic continuity-, or allowing current dynasty members to adopt male descendants from ancient branches of the imperial family who lost their status with the 1947 Constitution.
Beyond this concern, Naruhito celebrates his 65th birthday with high popularity. Around 75% of Japanese citizens wholeheartedly support the maintenance of their Monarchy, a figure even higher than that achieved by the institution in other Western democracies such as the United Kingdom or Spain.