Japan claims to have the oldest continuing monarchy in the world with an unbroken line from the same family for more than 2600 years.

But there's a succession problem in the current Japanese imperial family as Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako only have one child, Princess Aiko, and Japan forbids women from inheriting the throne.

The United Nations has suggested officials look at changing the law to make it more equal.

Up until 1947 the Emperor of Japan was seen as a divine figure on Earth and worshipped by many, but a constitution change formally declared the emperor to be human.

After Japan surrendered in World War II the role of the head of state was changed and the image the imperial household presents to the country is still struggling with traditional values versus a modern society.

Guests:

Alice Tseng, Professor of Japanese Art & Architecture at the University of Boston

Hirohito Tsuji, Specialist in the Imperial Family of Japan

Hosted by Daniel Rosney

Our email is: [email protected]

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