The Emperor of Japan Now Has His First Grandson: Princess Kiko’s Son

Dust off the throne, and break out the cigars, Japan now has a new member of the royal family. He may be tiny, but he is the next generation heir to the throne – following his uncle and father. Japan has not had a male royal birth since Prince Akishino in 1965.

On Wednesday, Japan breathed a sigh of relief as the royal lineage continues with the birth of Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko’s new son. The baby boy, whose name is still not being released, was delivered by Caesarean section at 8:27 am. The miniature prince weighed in at just 5.64 pounds. Princess Kiko and her new baby boy are reported as being in good condition.

Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko have two daughters already, but because of the Imperial Law, daughters would only be stand-ins until a suitable male can take the throne. Perish the thought! The next generation Emperor is born. The last female to perform imperial duties was Gosakuramachi, who took the crown in 1763.

Although Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko knew what the gender of their baby was, the palace kept it a secret and let Japan wait it out. Speculation that Japan’s male-only imperial law would have to be revised also was of concern to traditionalists across Japan.

Crown Prince Naruhito, the Emperor’s oldest son, and his wife Masako, also have a daughter. Though Princess Masako had a miscarriage in 1999 before their daughter Aiko was born, she has had problems with depression caused by the pressure to produce a male heir to the throne.

Though the next generation Emperor is barely 24 hours old, Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe, who is expected to take over as prime minister later this month, said: “Reforming the Imperial Household Law is an important issue that concerns the stability of the imperial family. We must carry on the debate in a careful and calm manner.”

If the Imperial Law is reformed, it may be a while longer before the new prince could claim his throne. He has a cousin and two sisters that would cut to the head of the line. With so many backing the old male-only Imperial Law, the little Princesses shouldn’t bank on becoming Empresses anytime soon. If the law is reformed, his cousin, Princess Aiko will take his place as third in line for the throne. This law reform will remain in debate, even though Japan’s male heir crisis is stifled by the cries of the new prince.