Japan Imperial Rules Tweaked But Still No Woman Emperor

Japan's parliament enacted changes to the imperial succession law on Friday but maintained the bar on a woman becoming emperor despite surveys suggesting wide public support for the idea. 

The future of the imperial household -- mythically descended from the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu -- hinges currently on Prince Hisahito, the 19-year-old nephew of serving Emperor Naruhito, 66.

If Hisahito -- barely out of school and currently



studying biology and insects and who is not married -- has no son, then under the rules as they stand he will have no heir and the bloodline will end. 

The bill, passed by a large majority by the upper house on Friday, allows the adoption of male distant relatives over 15 back into the imperial family -- as long as they are single.

It also lets women keep their royal status after marrying a commoner, something which is already allowed for men.