World Report: September 15, 2006 Vol. 12 No. 3
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- Table of Contents
- Cover Story
Grades 4-6
A New Little Prince in Japan
It's a boy! Japan's Princess Kiko, wife of Prince Akishino, gave birth to a healthy baby last Wednesday in Tokyo. The baby is the first male to be born into Japan's imperial family since 1965, when his father was born.
The long-awaited birth brings relief to the imperial family. The baby is the first grandson of Emperor Hirohito, and is third in line to the throne.
A 1947 Japanese law states that the right to the throne is passed only from imperial father to son. The Asian country recently considered changing the law to allow women to take the throne. The idea sparked a debate throughout Japan. Many believe that the birth of the male heir will put the debate on the back burner.
