Japan's revision of imperial law that reinforces male-only succession takes effect

Japan's revised Imperial House Law enforcing male-only succession took effect Saturday.

It allows adopting distant paternal-line males raised as commoners to become royals and father heirs.

Princesses can now keep royal status after marrying commoners.

But it bars 24-year-old Princess Aiko and her children from succession. Critics call it discriminatory and say it pressures royals to produce male offspring. Candidates would be sought among families that lost royal status in 1947, but none has volunteered and selection lacks transparency.

The law bars husbands and children of retained princesses from royal status, limiting its impact.

Protests and planned lawsuits are growing.