**Japan's First Female PM Opposes Public, Backs Men-Only Throne**

Most Japanese citizens support allowing a woman to become emperor, a new poll reveals. But the country's first female prime minister is championing a plan to keep the throne male-only. A Mainichi newspaper survey found 61% of the public believes the law should be changed to permit a female emperor. Only 9% said the throne must remain for men. The emperor is defined in Japan's 1947 constitution as "the symbol of the State." Current imperial law, however, restricts succession to male heirs in the direct paternal line. This has created a modern crisis with very few eligible heirs. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is now promoting a controversial solution. Her conservative proposal would allow men from former royal branches—removed from the family over 50 years ago—to be adopted into the main line to become emperor. The public poll shows a clear divide between popular opinion and the leadership's preferred policy. The debate centers on ancient tradition versus modern gender equality as Japan searches for a stable future for its monarchy.