The Japanese Imperial family celebrated a noteworthy modernizing event yesterday: Princess Sayako, the Emperor’s daughter, broke from tradition and married a commoner. In doing so, she has relinquished her status as a member of the imperial family — a family which has faced increasing pressure to produce a male heir to the throne.
Hear a conversation about the marriage, and the Imperial succession crisis with Henry Laurence, Professor of Japanese Politics at Bowdoin College.
Guests:
Henry Laurence, Professor of Japanese Politics at Bowdoin College.












