Enactment of the Partial Amendment to the Imperial House Law

The amendment was prompted by issues identified in the supplementary resolution attached to the Special Measures Law for Imperial Abdication, enacted in June 2017. In 2021, the government's expert panel compiled its report, and after it was presented to the Diet, political parties and parliamentary groups continued their examination under the Speakers and Vice-Speakers of both houses.

The government recognized amendment of the Imperial House Law as an urgent issue because the number of imperial family members is declining. It also expressed its view that, after years of consideration, it had reached a conclusion and achieved the amendment.

The government stated that it would make thorough preparations for enforcement three months after promulgation of the amended law.

Regarding future discussions on stable imperial succession, the government stated its policy of responding while respecting the will of the legislature.

The government expects all government-submitted bills to be enacted during the extended session and stated that it would respond accordingly.

On June 10, the government was presented with the Summary of Discussions by the Speakers and Vice-Speakers of Both Houses, and faithfully prepared the bill in accordance with it before submitting it to the Diet. Following Diet deliberations, the bill was enacted by an overwhelming majority after receiving broad support from political parties and parliamentary groups.

The Diet is responsible for deciding Diet proceedings, including extensions of the session, and the government indicated that it would work toward enacting bills during the extended session.