Key facts
- Revised Imperial House Law takes effect on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
- Allows adoption of males aged 15+ from 11 former imperial branch families.
- Female members can remain in the family after marriage.
- Husbands and children of female members will not gain imperial status.
- Law aims to address declining number of Imperial Family members.
Japan's revised Imperial House Law came into effect on Saturday, October 24, 2026, addressing the declining number of imperial family members. The legislation allows for the adoption of males aged 15 or older from 11 former imperial branch families, provided they are descended from emperors through the male line. Additionally, female members of the imperial family will be allowed to remain within the family after marriage, although their husbands and children will not be granted imperial status. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi briefed Emperor Naruhito on the law on Friday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized that the system's implementation would respect the free will of those involved.