To the Point

It's a Boy! Sigh of Relief in Japan?

At the end of World War II, Japan's Emperor Hirohito surrendered to American forces. Since then, Japan has become a thriving democracy, but the Imperial family , which dates to the 6th Century BC, remains as the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world.

By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

At the end of World War II, Japan's Emperor Hirohito surrendered to American forces. Since then, Japan has become a thriving democracy, but the Imperial family, which dates to the 6th Century BC, remains as the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. Today, a new heir was born--the first male in 41 years. Will that end the debate about female succession?

Warren Olney
former KCRW broadcaster
Takashi Fujitani
Associate Professor of History at the University of California, San Diego

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To the Point

It's a Boy! Sigh of Relief in Japan?

At the end of World War II, Japan's Emperor Hirohito surrendered to American forces. Since then, Japan has become a thriving democracy, but the Imperial family , which dates to the 6th Century BC, remains as the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world.

Share

To the Point

It's a Boy! Sigh of Relief in Japan?

At the end of World War II, Japan's Emperor Hirohito surrendered to American forces. Since then, Japan has become a thriving democracy, but the Imperial family , which dates to the 6th Century BC, remains as the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world.

Share