Line of Succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne

Currently, only males in a male line can succeed to the Chrysanthemum Throne.  For more information see:

For more information about the Japanese Imperial Family, past and present, see Unofficial Royalty: Japanese Index.

Emperor Naruhito, the elder son of two sons of Emperor Akihito of Japan, is the current Emperor of the State of Japan. On April 30, 2019, Emperor Akihito abdicated in favor of his elder son.

The current order of succession is:

  1. HIH Crown Prince Akishino (1965) – second of the two sons of Emperor Akihito
  2. HIH Prince Hisahito of Akishino (2006) –  only son of Crown Prince Akishino
  3. HIH Prince Hitachi (1935) – second son of Emperor Shōwa, paternal uncle of Emperor Naruhito