Japanese monarchy could include females

TOKYO, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- The Japanese government will present a bill that would authorize females and their descendents to ascend the throne, sources say.

The Kyoto News Service, via Japan Today, said the amendment to the Imperial House Law is scheduled to reach the Diet in early March.

If passed, the bill would have no effect on the most immediate line to the throne. Crown Prince Naruhito, 45, Emperor Akihito's first son, would remain the heir.

But the revised law would change the second in line to 4-year-old Princess Aiko, the crown prince's only child. Currently, that distinction belongs to Prince Akishino, the crown prince's 40-year-old brother. Under the new law, he would fall to third in line.

The bill will be presented to a regular Diet session for deliberation after the state budget for fiscal 2006 clears the Diet.