Tokyo (EFE).- Prince Hisahito of Akishino, the only grandson of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, turned 19 on Saturday and marked the occasion with a formal coming-of-age ceremony at the Imperial Palace.
The ritual, held for the first time in four decades, introduces the young prince into official imperial duties. His participation underscores his central place in Japan’s succession debate as the only male heir of his generation in the world’s oldest continuous monarchy.
Hisahito, son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, was born in 2006 – the first male royal baby in 41 years. His arrival effectively ended discussions in parliament over allowing female heirs to ascend the throne, a proposal that had gained momentum to allow Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito, to succeed her father.
Under current law, only males in the paternal imperial line may inherit the throne. Of the 16 current imperial family members, 11 are women, most of whom will lose their titles if they marry commoners. The succession is now limited to just three men: Crown Prince Fumihito, Prince Hisahito, and 89-year-old Prince Hitachi, Emperor Emeritus Akihito’s younger brother.
“This reality places the weight of the dynasty’s survival squarely on Hisahito’s shoulders,” noted imperial watchers.
Saturday’s ceremony, steeped in court tradition, included the presentation of a traditional cap and sword, marking Hisahito’s transition into public life. He will now begin to accompany senior royals at official functions.
AP reported that Hisahito “is the first male royal in four decades to reach adulthood, highlighting the precarious future of Japan’s male-only succession system.”
Away from the spotlight, Hisahito is known for his love of nature. A student at the University of Tsukuba, he is pursuing a degree in biological sciences and co-authored a paper on dragonfly biodiversity, a passion he has pursued since grade school. He received his driver’s license earlier this year.
Hisahito is also the first post-war imperial child not to attend Gakushuin schools, historically reserved for aristocrats. Instead, he was educated at institutions linked to Ochanomizu and Tsukuba universities. EFE
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