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Last year, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women issued a recommendation to the Japanese government, urging a revision of the Imperial House Law that denies women the right to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
However, just recently, the Japanese government responded with a stark declaration:
"This is a domestic issue. We will cease our financial contributions."
In essence, Japan has now openly stated that it will withhold funding in retaliation against international scrutiny.
The Religious Justification: Fact or Fiction?
The government further justified its stance by citing the male-only succession tradition as being rooted in Shinto, with the Emperor positioned as the head of Shinto shrines, likening this to the Pope's role in the Catholic Church.
But is this comparison truly accurate?
- The official English title of the Emperor is "His Majesty the Emperor".
- In contrast, the English terms for the highest-ranking Shinto officials are "chief priest" or "head priest", titles never used for the Emperor.
This suggests that, officially, the Emperor is not explicitly recognized as the head of Shinto in diplomatic language.
On the other hand, the Pope is clearly designated as "a Pope" or "the Holy Father", explicitly identifying him as the leader of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.
Thus, Japan's claim that the Emperor holds a similar religious role appears to be a post-hoc justification—a convenient excuse to defend its stance.
A Clear Message: Human Rights Are Secondary
By framing international criticism as "interference in domestic affairs," the Japanese government has effectively broadcast its disregard for human rights to the global stage.
If women's rights can be so easily dismissed, it is unsurprising that individuals with developmental disabilities face even greater marginalization.
In a nation where fundamental human rights are increasingly trivialized, the most vulnerable—those with disabilities—are at heightened risk of being neglected and overlooked.
A Call for Global Awareness
This situation is not merely a domestic issue. It reflects a broader, troubling trend where human rights are sacrificed in the name of tradition and nationalism.
We call upon the global community to remain vigilant and to advocate for the rights of all marginalized groups, including women and individuals with developmental disabilities, who continue to face systemic discrimination in Japan.
Let us not allow tradition to become a shield for injustice.
This is why your warm 'support' is so vital. Even the smallest gesture can make a meaningful difference.
We humbly ask that you share this blog or website with others to help spread awareness.
Thank you deeply for taking the time to read this to the end.
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