Japan's Prince Tomohito of Mikasa says there is no need for the government to make an immediate decision on allowing women to succeed to the throne.
He told Kyodo news agency that a government panel should reconsider its proposal to allow the first-born child of either sex to ascend to the Chrysanthemum throne.
Tomohito is a cousin of Emperor Akihito and fifth in the line of succession. He has been an outspoken critic against changing Japan's laws for gaining the throne.
Only males who have emperors on their father's side can succeed to the throne. However, Japan is facing a succession crisis due to a lack of a male heirs since the 1960s.
Late last year, Tomohito suggested bringing back concubines to produce male heir before allowing a woman to head the ancient monarchy.