The Imperial House of Japan is not a normal family. It is the oldest existing hereditary monarchy in the world, a mysterious clan descended from the gods of Japanese mythology.
The family is also totally powerless, a toothless organ of the government with parliamentarians drawing up new rules for its future offspring.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, long before they ascended to their palace in Tokyo, tried their best to secure a male heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne. They had only one daughter, Princess Aiko.
Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko had also made a serious effort, giving birth to two more princesses, Mako and Kako. Still, there were no sons.
Bureaucrats were in a panic. Constitutional scholars were sounding the alarm. Royal ladies were
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