Tokyo, Japan
– A significant milestone was reached in the Japanese Imperial Family on Friday, November 15th, as Prince Hisahito celebrated his 18th birthday. This momentous occasion marks the prince’s official entry into adulthood, making him the first male member of the imperial family to reach this age in nearly four decades.
The Japanese royal family, an institution that has ruled the nation for over a millennium, is currently facing challenges similar to those of the wider Japanese society. The declining birth rate and aging population have raised concerns about the future of the monarchy, particularly in terms of succession.
Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, is the nephew of Emperor Naruhito. His adulthood places him second in line to the throne, following his father, who reached adulthood in 1985.
In a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, Prince Hisahito expressed his aspirations and gratitude for the experiences that have shaped him. “I hope to learn more through each and every experience, absorbing various aspects and growing through them,” he said.
The young prince also indicated his intention to focus on his current academic pursuits, stating, “I want to cherish my remaining time at high school.” He expressed his appreciation for his parents and sisters, Princess Kako and Mako Komuro. It’s worth noting that Princess Mako renounced her imperial title upon marrying a commoner, a tradition that has been a source of debate in recent years.
Prince Hisahito is currently a third-year student at the University of Tsukuba’s Senior High School in Tokyo. While the traditional Coming-of-Age Ceremony and accompanying press conference typically take place on a person’s 20th birthday, Hisahito’s ceremony has been postponed until the spring of 2025 or later to coincide with his high school graduation.
The Japanese Imperial Family consists of 17 members, including only four males. The patriarchal framework, outlined in the 1947 Imperial House Law, restricts the Chrysanthemum Throne to male succession and mandates that female royal members relinquish their titles upon marrying commoners.
With only Prince Hisahito and Crown Prince Akishino as male successors, and Prince Hitachi, the 88-year-old uncle of the emperor, being childless, the future of the Japanese monarchy is a subject of growing concern. The narrow line of succession raises important questions about the institution’s ability to adapt to the changing times and ensure its continued relevance.