Photo/Illutration Yasuhiko Nishimura, chief of the Imperial Household Agency (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Japan’s top official overseeing the imperial family expressed grave concern over the shrinking number of royals and called for progress in stalled parliamentary discussions to address the issue.

"We are deeply concerned about the current situation," said Yasuhiko Nishimura, who heads the Imperial Household Agency, on Sept. 11. "We hope that discussions in the Diet will move forward." 

The decline stems largely from the rule requiring women to leave the imperial family upon marriage.

Nishimura's comments come just days after Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito, marked his coming-of-age ceremony.

The 19-year-old prince is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his father.

With Hisahito now recognized as an adult member of the imperial family, there are currently no remaining minor royals.

Meanwhile, legislative debate on measures to ensure the sustainability of the imperial family has seen little progress.

Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties have been participating in discussions led by the speakers and vice speakers of both houses of the Diet.

A proposal to allow women in the family to retain their imperial status after marriage has gained broad support.

However, opinions remain divided on whether their spouses and children should also be granted imperial status.

Regarding Hisahito, Nishimura expressed high expectations for the young royal, who is now formally taking on public engagements.

“He has performed his duties at each event admirably. We see him as a very dependable presence,” Nishimura said. “I believe he will carry out each of his public responsibilities with sincerity.”

Due to their dwindling numbers, members of the imperial family are under increasing strain to fulfill their duties, including traditional rituals and public engagements.

More seriously, the system's fragility threatens the succession to the throne itself.

Japan’s Imperial House Law allows only men of the paternal line to ascend the throne. This means there would be no successor after Hisahito if he does not have a son.

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