But others expressed doubts about this statement, and another Twitter user stated that “this timing means’don’t criticize’.”
Mako is the 15-year-old sister of Prince Kuhito. He is currently the only eligible male heir to the throne besides his father.
The Chrysanthemum Throne in Japan can only be passed on to male family members, excluding children married to female royal family members other than aristocrats.
The strict regulations have raised concerns about the future of the royal family because there are only two male heirs and there will be no new heirs in the next few years.
However, attempts to debate succession reform have met with firm opposition from traditionalists.
Mako is not the first member of the royal family to suffer the consequences of hostile media attention. Empress Masako has long struggled with stress-induced illnesses that emerged after she struggled with the pressure of having a son and royal travel restrictions.
