Japan Debates Changing Its Imperial Succession Law
Listen to the story
People in Japan are talking about the imperial family. This is the family of the Emperor of Japan.
Japan has a special law about the imperial family. It is called the Imperial House Law. This law says who can become emperor.
Right now, only men can become emperor in Japan. Many people want to change this law.
Some people think a woman could become emperor one day. This is called a female emperor.
News shows are talking about this idea. A famous TV presenter named Ikegami is explaining it to people.
In Europe, some countries already let women become queen. People call this gender equality. This means men and women have the same rights.
In Japan, some people think a young princess could become emperor later. But other people do not agree.
This is a big topic in Japan now. Many people are talking about it on TV and in newspapers.
Vocabulary15 words
- imperial family
- the family of the emperor
- Imperial House Law
- the law about the emperor's family in Japan
- female emperor
- a woman who becomes emperor
- gender equality
- men and women having the same rights
- succession
- who becomes the next leader
- princess
- a daughter in a royal family
- presenter
- a person who talks on TV
- royal
- about a king or queen's family
- law
- an official rule
- topic
- a subject people talk about
- change
- to make something different
- explain
- to make something clear
- future
- time that has not happened yet
- agree
- to think the same way
- discuss
- to talk about something
Quiz
Answer key
1. Changing the Imperial House Law 2. Only men 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
People in Japan are talking about the _____ family.
Japan has a special law about the imperial family. It is called the Imperial House _____.
Right now, only _____ can become emperor in Japan.
Some people think a _____ could become emperor one day.
News shows are talking about this _____.
A famous TV presenter named Ikegami is _____ it to people.
In Europe, some countries already let women become _____.
People call this gender _____.
In Japan, some people think a young _____ could become emperor later.
This is a big topic in Japan _____.