22 FEBRUARY 2005

It seems likely that Japan's little Princess Aiko will one day take her place on the Chrysanthemum throne, after a government source said he expected her to accede. While it is currently impossible for a female to become Empress, an advisory panel to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is discussing proposals to revise the constitution.

According to the Japanese national news agency, a source within the government has indicated the amendment will get the green light. When asked who he thought would be next in line after Crown Prince Naruhito succeeds his father, he said "It will go to Princess Aiko".

The revelation will come as welcome news to her mother, who has been under intense pressure to produce a male heir. Crown Princess Masako, who had a promising career as a diplomat before marrying into the royal family, has been living in virtual seclusion for over a year. Emotional problems attributed to an "adjustment disorder" are said to be responsible for her difficulties.

The news coincides with the release of new photos of the three-year-old princess. In the pictures, which were taken at the Oku-Shigakogen ski resort in central Japan, Aiko is shown taking to the slopes with her mum and dad. Masako also looked to be enjoying the fun, as she joined her little girl inside an igloo and helped her to build a snowman.

Back in Tokyo, meanwhile, a ten-member panel set up by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party was hammering out draft proposals which are expected to be delivered this autumn. In order to be approved, any amendment would have to be passed by public referendum and a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament. But with opinion polls showing 78 per cent of lawmakers and 65 per cent of the public in favour, it seems almost certain to get the go-ahead.