Aiko, Princess Toshi
From Freepedia
Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko of Japan (愛子内親王殿下 Aiko naishinnō denka), born December 1, 2001, is the only child of Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, the heir apparent to the Japanese throne and his world-famous wife. She currently holds the title Toshi-no-miya (Princess Toshi).
The baby was named Princess Aiko in the naming ceremony, which is traditionally held on the seventh day after the baby's birth. Aiko, written with kanji character for "love" and "child", refers to "a person who loves others." The baby will also have a royal title. The princess will be called Princess Toshi (敬宮 toshi no miya) while she is young. That means "a person who respects others." This formal title will be dropped if the princess marries.
In a break with tradition, the name was chosen by the baby's parents, instead of by the emperor. It is selected from the teaching of the Chinese philosopher Mencius. It reads "A person who loves others will be loved by others, and a person who respects others will always be respected by others."
Female succession
As no male has been born into the imperial family since 1965, the Japanese public eagerly awaited the birth. All of Japan was overjoyed at the birth of a girl to the imperial couple after eight years of marriage. However, Princess Aiko's birth rekindled a debate over whether to change the law to allow a female to ascend to the throne of the world's oldest hereditary monarchy.
The Imperial Household of Japan Law of 1947 limits succession to males: since neither of the late Emperor Hirohito's sons have a direct male descendant, some public and parliament members perceive Chrysanthemum Throne continuity to be in jeopardy despite a line of succession seven levels deep. This possible threat to the monarchy and a new regard for women's rights led some to call for revision of imperial law to allow succession through females. Crown Princess Masako has experienced a physical and mental breakdown under the intense pressure to produce a male heir. The public support for Aiko becoming Empress is overwhelming at over eighty percent. However, elders of the Shinto religion (despite the ancient traditions of imperial succession, which allowed for female succession) and far-right groups have expressed disapproval for Princess Aiko ruling. A decision regarding Princess Aiko's succession must be made soon, as the Princess has turned three, the age at which, according to Japanese tradition, an heir to the throne must begin their special education.
A panel that was dealing with the succession issue recommended on October 25, 2005 that females be allowed to ascend to the Japanese throne. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said that he would submit a bill to the Diet by the end of the year.[1]
External links
- Kunaicho | Press Conference by Their Imperial Highness The Crown Prince and Crown Princess After the Birth of Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko
- Kunaicho | Press on the Occasion of the First Birthday of Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko
- Japan's new royal baby
- BBC News | Japan´s new princess meets the public
- The Japan Times | Princess Aiko presented to ancient emperors
- CBS News | Japan's Crown Princess Crumbles
