Japanese Emperor Naruhito's younger brother said Friday that the royal family can perform only a limited number of duties because its membership is declining sharply. The imperial family has 13 women, including six who could marry and lose their royal status in coming years. Akishino said he believes royal duties can be shared equally regardless of gender, but declined to comment on whether female emperors should be allowed. The government earlier considered the possibility of female emperors, but the discussion halted as soon as Hisahito was born. Surveys have shown that most Japanese support having female emperors, as Aiko has become increasingly popular.

Source: ABC News June 21, 2019 10:43 UTC