Prince Hisahito becomes first Japanese male royal in four decades to turn 18
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Prince Hisahito, the son of Japan's Crown Prince Akishino, celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday, marking a significant milestone as the first male member of Japan's Imperial family to reach adulthood in 39 years, according to Japan Times.
This event is noteworthy for Japan’s royal family, which has ruled for over a thousand years but now faces the same demographic challenges as the rest of the country - an ageing and shrinking population.
Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his father, who became an adult in 1985.
In a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, the prince expressed his eagerness to continue learning and growing through his experiences. He also thanked his parents, Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and his sisters, Mako Komuro, who left the imperial family after marriage, and Princess Kako. Hisahito emphasized his commitment to making the most of his remaining high school years.
The agency noted that Prince Hisahito is currently a third-year student at the University of Tsukuba’s Senior High School in Tokyo.
While a Coming-of-Age Ceremony and press conference are traditional for royal members reaching adulthood, these events have been postponed until spring 2025 or later, allowing the prince to focus on his academic obligations until his high school graduation.
As the youngest member of Japan’s 17-member Imperial family, which includes only four men, Prince Hisahito’s position as the last potential heir to the throne highlights the challenges facing the royal household. The 1947 Imperial House Law only allows male heirs to ascend the throne, and female royals must forfeit their titles if they marry commoners.
Aside from Hisahito and Crown Prince Akishino, the only other male successor is the 88-year-old Prince Hitachi, who is childless, underscoring the pressing issue of succession within the Imperial family.