There was barely a pause after the good news of the pregnancy of the Crown Princess was announced before widespread discussion broke out on whether the law should be changed to allow a woman to succeed to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
While the doings of the Imperial Family are remote from most people's everyday concerns, news of this particular event had long been anticipated and doubtless brightened the day of all but the most churlish -- especially since it briefly displaced the bleak reports on the economy that have been dominating the headlines.
But after expressing their delight at the announcement, politician after politician, including Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, had something to add: All declared themselves in favor of the idea of letting the baby, if it turns out to be a girl, become Empress. Of course, this idea had been raised earlier, prompted by the fact that no male child has been born into the Imperial family for over three decades and by concern over the Crown Princess's childlessness after more than seven years of marriage.