Many Japanese look for a shift to female heirs to the throne

Until the 20th century, emperors kept concubines in order to ensure the birth of male heirs

It has been nearly 250 years since a woman last held the title to Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne, and almost that long since an emperor abdicated the position.

Now, as Japan moves to accommodate Emperor Akihito’s desire to give up the throne before he dies, many Japanese believe it is also time to clear the way for a woman to reign again someday.

In August, Emperor Akihito, 83, signaled that he wanted to step down, telling the nation that he worried he would not be able to fulfill his duties much longer. The Imperial Household Law, which governs the succession of emperors in