Japan's Parliament Clears the Way for Emperor's Abdication
The decision raises concerns that the imperial family risks running out of heirs.
Japan’s Parliament on Friday that allows Emperor Akihito to become the first occupant of the chrysanthemum throne to abdicate since 1817. With Akihito stepping down, his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will likely take over. The imperial family has just 19 living members, and only three males who could rule in the future, which is one reason why parliament also passed a law that proposes the government
