For decades, Japan's imperial family has been shrinking,
and now the government there wants to do something about it.
But Mayu, the government's proposal, it's causing quite a bit of a backlash.
That's right, Mariko.
One idea on the table is to let male descendants from former imperial branches rejoin the family.
But many people in Japan think there's a much simpler way,
which is to allow women to stay in the imperial family
and eventually allow them to become female emperors.
So we're talking about Princess Aiko, who's the daughter of the current emperor and empress, aren't we?
So we're asking, why are Japanese politicians so adamant not to allow her to take the throne?
I'm Mariko in Singapore, and this is Asia Specific from the BBC World Service.
Twice a week, we bring you Asia Pacific stories, unpacked by those who know them best.
I have two journalists in the Japanese capital who have covered this topic extensively for many years.
Mayu Yoshida was a correspondent for Reuters as well as NHK World.
She's now a host at Japanese radio station J-Wave.
Welcome to Asia Specific, Mayu.
Hi, Mariko.
Thanks for having me.
I also have David McNeill.
He's a professor of communications at the University of the Sacred Heart.