Culture

Celebrating Prince Hisahito, Second in Line to the Throne, as He Turns 18

Prince Hisahito, the Emperor's nephew and Crown Prince Fumihito's son, has accompanied his parents on official duties. He has also shown interest in biology.

Published

1 week ago

September 7, 2024

The Sankei Shimbun

Prince Hisahito observes plants near a pond where many dragonflies fly in the garden of the Akishino residence at the Akasaka Estate, Minato Ward, Tokyo. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)

His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito turned 18 and reached adulthood on September 6. As the only son of Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, he is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

This is a joyous occasion that brightens the future of Japan's long-standing Imperial family. It is one we celebrate as a nation, offering our heartfelt congratulations to His Imperial Highness on his coming of age.

*Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, at the Akasaka Estate, Minato Ward, Tokyo, on July 15, 2024. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

Celebrating His Birth

Prince Hisahito was born on September 6, 2006, and the joy of that moment remains vivid for many Japanese citizens to this day. Upon his birth, he joined two older sisters. Nevertheless, his birth marked the first time in over 40 years that a male child was born in the Imperial family. It was met with widespread celebration across Japan, including lantern processions and various festivities held in his honor.

*Prince Hisahito riding a mule in Bhutan on August 18, 2019. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

Prince Hisahito has grown up in good health. He graduated from Ochanomizu University Elementary School in 2019 and from its affiliated junior high school in 2022. Currently, he is enrolled in the University of Tsukuba's Senior High School. From a young age, His Imperial Highness has demonstrated a deep interest in nature and biology. In 2023, he co-authored a scholarly paper on dragonflies with external researchers.

One of the ancient names for Japan is Akitsushima, meaning "dragonfly island." True to its name, the country is home to many dragonflies. The Prince is expected to one day ascend the throne and serve as a symbol of Japan and the unity of its people. It is heartening to know that he shares an interest in living things large and small, like dragonflies, an insect with deep symbolism for the nation.

Preparing for the Future

Alongside his academic studies, Prince Hisahito has been preparing for his future role as Emperor. He has visited the Ise Grand Shrine and has accompanied his parents on engagements with foreign royalty.

In November 2020, His Majesty the Emperor held the Ceremonies for Proclamation of Crown Prince, formally designating Crown Prince Fumihito as the next Emperor, in accordance with Japan's highest ceremonial tradition. This confirmed the male-line succession from His Majesty the Emperor to Crown Prince Fumihito, and then to his son, Prince Hisahito. This succession was reaffirmed in a government report submitted to the Diet in January 2022, which stated that this line of succession "must not be neglected."

Since Prince Hisahito is currently a third-year high school student, his coming-of-age ceremony will take place after his graduation in the spring of 2025. We eagerly await the pleasure of watching him grow and learn as a young man and witnessing his dignity of care to his country through various upcoming events.

(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun
Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun and other authors contributed to this article.