TOKYO, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A constitutional amendment, if approved, will let a woman assume Japan's throne, ending concern over the country's imperial dynastic line.
Japan's ruling party has drawn up the amendment paving the way for Princess Aiko to one day become Empress of her country, Hellomagazine.com reported Wednesday.
The proposed amendment is likely to elate her mother, Crown Princess Masako, 40, who has been under intense pressure to produce a male heir.
Masako has been living in virtual seclusion for the past year, suffering from an "adjustment disorder" caused by the pressures of her role.
The Liberal Democratic Party is expected present a final draft of the amendment next year. The proposal must be approved by public referendum and win a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament.
A recent poll indicated 78 percent of lawmakers and 65 percent of the electorate favor such an amendment.
