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TOKYO, Feb 3, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Two of Japan's Cabinet ministers on Friday questioned plans to revise the Imperial House Law to allow females to ascend to the throne.
Foreign Minister Taro Aso said during a news conference, "Is this really an issue that should be discussed hastily in the current, regular Diet session?" He added that more discussion was needed before reaching a conclusion over the issue.
Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said: "The status of the emperor is a symbol of the unity of the Japanese people. Therefore, it is desirable to reach a clear conclusion after deliberate discussion."
Tanigaki said on Jan. 17 that he would support the revised bill but then changed his position.
Both Aso and Tanigaki are seen as likely candidates to succeed Junichiro Koizumi as Liberal Democratic Party leader and prime minister. They are the first Cabinet ministers to publicly ask for caution over a revision to the Imperial House Law, the Mainichi Shimbun reported.
Japan's Imperial House Law currently allows only men to ascend to the throne. However, Koizumi is trying to have a revised bill passed during the current Diet session.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
