A famously conservative manga artist is suing the Japanese government over changes to imperial law he believes discriminate against women and commoners

In a move that has garnered much confusion among the Japanese public, manga artist Yoshinori Kobayashi – known for the nationalistic historical manga series Neo Gōmanism – has sued the government over what he argues is an unconstitutional change of Imperial House Law (source: Asahi News).

The amendment, which was enacted in July and became effective October 24, is related to succession laws, allowing the Japanese imperial family to adopt male relatives from former branch families to father future heirs. The change was made in an attempt to address the dwindling number of male heirs and imperial family members, despite public support for female monarchs (source: Mainichi News). The adoptees, childless men aged 15 or older, cannot ascend the throne themselves, but their male descendants can.

Additionally, the law lets princesses retain their royal status and continue with their official duties after marrying commoners, but does not allow the possibility of female monarchs or succession through the maternal line (meaning popular princess Aiko is effectively excluded from inheriting her father).

Following the lawsuit’s announcement, Kobayashi told the press that he considers the adoption system unconstitutional. He argues that the adoption of former royals, who are technically commoners, “creates a special social class” and discriminates against other commoners, violating national laws that guarantee equality regardless of “race, creed, sex, social status or family origin.” Kobayashi also asserted that “restricting eligibility to males in the paternal line constitutes discrimination against women, rooted in the belief that men are superior to women.” On his official blog, he calls the amendment itself “a law to exclude princess Aiko.”

His side is seeking a ruling that would invalidate the amendment, and, curiously, demanding damages of 1 million yen for psychological suffering experienced by Kobayashi, “whose works are based on his love of Japan’s monarchy, equal rights and other democratic values” (source: Japan Today).