How much power does the Imperial Household Agency command?

Question

I read an article about the public rebuking of a Japanese prince by this agency, and read his remarks on how this agency prohibits his wife from having much of a life.

Answer 1

The Imperial Household Agency is a government agency of Japan in charge of the state matters concerning Japan's imperial family and also keeping the Privy Seal and the State Seal. They basically control the Japanese royal family, and literally "watch" over every member of the royal family (23 members in total). They control their image, their speech, how they should be educated, where they go, what to eat, what to wear, and everything must be done according to traditions etc. Any Imperial laws that governs the royal family is passed by the Imperial Houseold Agency, for example, The Imperial Household Law of 1947 is a statute in Japanese law that governs the line of imperial succession, the membership of the imperial family, and several other matters pertaining to the administration of the Imperial Household.

The agency's headquarters is located within the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Apart from the responsibilities of the daily runnings, such as state visits, organizing events, preservation of traditional culture, administrative functions, etc., the agency is also responsible for the various imperial residences scattered throughout the country. Visitors who wish to tour the Kyoto Gosho, the Katsura Detached Palace, and other sites, should register for guided tours with the agency first.

The Agency has responsibility for the health, security and travel arrangements of the Imperial family, including maintaining the Imperial line. A "Grand Master of the Household" helps manage the schedules, dining menus, and household maintenance for the family. The Agency has frequently been criticized for isolating members of the Imperial Family from the Japanese public, and for insisting on hidebound customs rather than permitting a more approachable, populist monarchy. These criticisms have become more muted in recent years; Emperor Akihito has himself done much to make the Japanese monarchy less aloof.

Answer 2

The Imperial Household Agency basically rules the Japanese Imperial Family.

The current Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako have both accused the IHA to be the main reason of the nervous breakdown the Princess suffered for a few years.

The current Empress Michiko (first commoner to marry the Imperial Family) suffered 2 breakdowns, shortly after her marriage and in 1990s, mainly because of the pressure from the IHA. As a result of the breakdowns, she had lost her voice for several months.

It is also rumoured that after her marriage, Michiko was disgusted to be regarded just as children bearer, and she underwent an abortion, just to oppose the IHA.

Perhaps one of the strongest, and most controversial, display of their powers came after the announcement of the third pregnancy of Princess Kiko, the wife of the second son of the Emperor and Empress, Akishino.

According to the Japanese succession rules, only males can succeed to the Throne. The Crown Prince and Princess have only 1 daughter, Princess Aiko. Prince and Princess Akishino had 2 daughters, Mako and Kako.

Since there were no males in the immediate family, The government wanted to change succession laws to allow Princess Aiko succeed one day.

However, just as it looked certain the governent will change the laws, Princess Kiko announced her pregnancy. Many believe (and not without reason) that she was ordered by IHA to undergo a fertility treatment to get pregnant.

Princess Kiko gave brith to a boy, and the government dropped plans of changes.

Currently Prince Hisahito (the son of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko) is 3rd in the line of the succession, after Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino.

It is quite well known that IHA favours Prince Akishino over Crown Prince Naruhito. The latter was very vocal in supporting his wife and blamed the IHA for Masako's breakdowns. Akishino, on the other hand, is the good boy in the family: loyal, traditional, always doing what he is told. So it was hardly a surprise Akishino got 'selected' to succeed his brother, rather then allowing Princess Aiko succeed Naruhito.