Aiko on the Throne? Event Seeks to Pave the Way for a Female Emperor

An image of Princess Aiko and past female emperors, displayed as an exhibit at the entrance to the “Making Aiko the Imperial Heir” public event. (Courtesy of Kobayashi Yoshinori)

Kobayashi Yoshinori, seated at center stage, leads the public discussion event on July 23, 2023. (Courtesy of Kobayashi Yoshinori)

Kobayashi Yoshinori, organizer of the July 2023 event. (Courtesy of Kobayashi Yoshinori)

Kobayashi’s 2023 manga Aiko tennō ron (Princess Aiko as Emperor). (Courtesy of Fusōsha)

Takamori Akinori argues for a more expansive line of succession. (Courtesy of Takamori Akinori)