Emperor makes rare remark amid debate on dwindling family members (opens original article in a new tab)

Emperor Naruhito expressed hope for public understanding of solutions to the imperial family's dwindling members, as the government plans to revise the Imperial House Law to allow female members to retain status after marriage and adopt men from branch families.

• Emperor Naruhito hopes discussions on imperial family members gain public understanding.
• Government plans to revise Imperial House Law to allow female members to retain status after marriage and adopt men from branch families.
• Grand steward reported emperor's wish for solutions accepted by the people.