Japan has had princesses throughout its history, who played an important role in maintaining political power and court life. Princesses were often used as political pawns, but were also expected to be well-educated and skilled in various arts. Famous Japanese princesses include Empress Michiko, the first commoner to marry into the imperial family. Japan's imperial family is much smaller today than it once was, with only three male heirs to the throne and debate about whether women should be allowed to ascend to the throne. Princesses also feature heavily in Japanese pop culture and folklore.