Naruhito
Naruhito is the 126th emperor of Japan. He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019, beginning the Reiwa era.
Akihito: Akihito was Japan’s 125th emperor, reigning from 1989 until his abdication in 2019. His abdication made Naruhito’s accession possible.
Masako Owada: Masako Owada is a Japanese former diplomat and empress consort of Japan, married to Naruhito since 1993. As empress, she shares many public duties with Naruhito.
Constitution of Japan: The Constitution of Japan is the country’s supreme law, in force since 1947, defining the emperor as a symbol of the state. It limits Naruhito’s role to constitutional and ceremonial functions.
Heisei era: The Heisei era was the Japanese era period from 1989 to 2019, corresponding to Akihito’s reign. It is the era Naruhito’s Reiwa reign followed.
Japanese imperial succession: Japanese imperial succession is the process by which the throne passes among members of the imperial family. It defines how Naruhito inherited the throne and who may follow him.
Aiko, Princess Toshi: Aiko is the only child of Naruhito and Masako and a member of Japan’s imperial family. Her place in the succession debate reflects the limits on female succession.
Enthronement of the Japanese emperor: The enthronement of the Japanese emperor is a set of ceremonies formally marking an emperor’s accession and investiture. Naruhito’s 2019 enthronement publicly confirmed his accession.
Japanese monarchy: The Japanese monarchy is the hereditary institution headed by the emperor, whose modern role is defined by the constitution. Naruhito’s reign continues the monarchy under its postwar constitutional form.
Imperial House Law: The Imperial House Law is Japan’s statute governing imperial succession, family status, and other matters of the imperial household. Its male-line succession rules shape the future of Naruhito’s dynasty.
Prince Fumihito: Fumihito is Naruhito’s younger brother and the heir presumptive to Japan’s throne. He stands next in the current line of succession.