Opinions Divided on Bolstering Imperial Family with Former Branches

Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members at a New Year ceremony at the Imperial Palace. (Courtesy Imperial Household Agency)

The final imperial family New Year gathering in front of the public of the Heisei era (1989–2019) on January 2, 2019. From left to right: Crown Princess Masako, Crown Prince Naruhito, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Prince Fumihito, Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, Princess Kako. (© Jiji)