Role of women in spotlight as imperial family members dwindle

With Wednesday's ascension of new Emperor Naruhito following his father's abdication, questions have risen about roles to be played by women in the royal family amid concerns over future imperial successions and how to shoulder public duties in an ever-shrinking imperial household.Under the 1947 Imperial House Law, only males with patrilineal lineage can ascend the throne. Women who marry commoners must leave the imperial family.Of the current 18 imperial family members including former Emperor Akihito, 85, and former Empress Michiko, 84, who no longer perform official duties, 13 are women.…READ FULL ARTICLE