PRESS CONFERENCE
Manga Artist Opposes Revised Imperial Law
Yoshinori Kobayashi, Cartoonist
Rintaro Kuramochi, Attorney-at-law, Plaintiff's Counsel, Revised Imperial House law Constitutional Case
13:00-14:00 Thursday, November 19, 2026
Language: The speech will be in English or Japanese and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.
The Chrysanthemum Throne is facing a succession crisis, with only one male heir available in the next generation, and the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sought to alleviate it by revising the Imperial House Law. Under the change, which took effect last month, members of the Imperial Family are now allowed to adopt unmarried, childless males aged 15 or older who come from 11 families that can trace their male lineage back to past emperors.
The revision creates a new class system that is incompatible with the country’s Constitution, argues manga artist and conservative commentator Yoshinori Kobayashi. Kobayashi, noted for writing the long-running socio-political manga series Gōmanism Declaration, has sued the government in Tokyo District Court seeking to nullify the revision, which he claims violates constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination based on family origin.
The FCCJ invites you to join us at this press conference to hear Kobayashi make his case in person. He will be joined by his attorney, Rintaro Kuramochi.
How to attend:
Please register by emailing front@fccj.or.jp with your name and the name of your media outlet. FCCJ members should also include their membership number. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event.
Livestream: A URL link will be provided to Club members. Please inform us in advance at front@fccj.or.jp so we can send you the link.
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/isHpSJfjWRV3TKz98
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event.
Professional Activities Committee