Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun 
His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito holds a press conference to mark his coming of age on March 3 at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. (Pool photograph)
このページを 日本語 で読む
His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Crown Prince Akishino and second in line to the throne, has come of age. On March 3, the Prince held his first press conference as an adult.
Regarding his future aspirations, the Prince stated, "I would like to be conscious of my responsibilities as an adult member of the Imperial family and fulfill my role as a member of the Imperial House."
He will succeed to the throne in the future and thereby become the 128th emperor by the traditional count. From his words and demeanor, it is clear that Prince Hisahito is assuming his important role with great sincerity. This is a very encouraging sign.
The entire nation would like to congratulate him on his coming of age.
Following the Emperor's Path
His Imperial Highness officially became an adult when he turned 18 on September 6, 2024. However, he refrained from engaging in press conferences and other events until he graduated from high school.
At the start of the press conference, Prince Hisahito expressed his concern about the large-scale forest fires raging in Iwate Prefecture. Regarding the role of the Imperial family, he said, "In line with the Emperor's thinking, I believe it is important for us to continue to care about the daily lives of people and the state of society."
Emperor Naruhito held his first press conference in February 1980. It was just before his 20th birthday, which was the age of majority at that time. When asked by a reporter about his position as Emperor Hirohito's grandson, the then-prince said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, who continued to wish happiness for the Japanese people. He then added, "I want to get to know Japan better and understand as many people as possible."
Learning About His Country
Prince Hisahito apparently feels the same way. In October 2022, following his 16th birthday, he visited the Ise Shrine alone. Then, in February 2025, he visited the Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum in Kyoto Prefecture, which tells the history of the Siberian internment of Japanese POWs in Soviet forced labor camps and other related events. His visit took place after it was decided that he would attend Tsukuba University beginning in April.
At Maizuru, the Prince spoke with students from his generation and elderly people who remembered those days. Overall, Prince Hisahito has been steadily gaining experience that will prepare him for his future role as emperor.
Marking the Prince's Age
We vividly recall his "Chakko no Gi" ceremony ("first time donning of hakama formal trousers") held in 2011. For a prince, it was the equivalent of the Shichi-go-san ceremony of passage into middle childhood for girls turning seven or three and boys turning five.
The five-year-old prince attended the ceremony wearing a costume with a cross stitched around the collar, which was a gift from the current Emperor Emeritus Akihito and the Empress Emerita. It is in the same style as the attire worn by emperors and crown princes and is a version meant to be worn by someone expected to inherit the throne.
Other important coming-of-age ceremonies are due to be held on his birthday, September 6. In the "Kakan no Gi" ceremony, the Emperor will place formal court headgear on the head of His Imperial Highness the Prince.
We congratulate Prince Hisahito as he begins his life as a full-fledged adult member of the Imperial family.
RELATED:
- Celebrating Prince Hisahito, Second in Line to the Throne, as He Turns 18
- Princess Aiko Comes of Age: ‘Sharing in the Hardships and Joys of the People’
- An Appreciation of the Emperor for Honoring Imperial Tradition
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
このページを 日本語 で読む
