Prince Hisahito, Second in Line to the Throne, Marks Coming-of-Age at Imperial Palace

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His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito's coming-of-age ceremony was held at the Imperial Palace on his 19th birthday, September 6. The son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, he is second in line to the throne.

Prince Hisahito officially became an adult when he turned 18 in 2024. However, the coming-of-age ceremony was postponed until after his high school graduation.

On the day of the ceremony, crowds around the Imperial Palace waved Japanese flags, their cries of "Banzai!" echoing all the way to the palace. Prince Hisahito was seen smiling as he entered the palace. 

First Audience with the Emperor and Empress

At a little past 2 PM, in the palace's most prestigious chamber, the Matsu-no-Ma (State Room), the Choken-no-gi (First Audience Ceremony) began with the Emperor and Empress in attendance. 

Having undergone the main ritual of the day, the Kakan-no-gi (Crown-Wearing Ceremony) that morning, this was the first occasion on which Prince Hisahito formally appeared before Their Majesties. 

Looking directly at the Emperor and Empress, he made his declaration with firm conviction:

"With a deep awareness of the weight of my responsibilities as an adult member of the Imperial Family, I shall devote myself all the more to my studies, seek to gain experience, and endeavor to repay the kindness I have received."

The Emperor listened with a nod and said, "I hope that you will apply yourself diligently to your studies while also fulfilling your duties as a member of the Imperial Family with distinction."

The Empress added, "I wish you health and strength as you gain a variety of experiences."

Crown-Wearing Ceremony

Prince Hisahito displayed youthful vigor and composure during the Crown-Wearing Ceremony, which took place in the Shunju-no-Ma (Grand Hall) before the First Audience. 

Wearing the traditional coming-of-age robe for minors, the ketteki-no-ho, he walked with poise through a silence so deep that the faint rustle of its nearly six-meter-long hem could be heard.

With the assistance of Imperial Household staff, he donned the crown bestowed by the Emperor, decorated with a swallow-tail ornament (enbi-no-ei). The fastening cord (kakeo) was tied beneath his chin, and after its length was adjusted, the ends were neatly trimmed with two snips of Japanese scissors. The sound of the scissors is considered symbolic of the ritual, a tradition carried down since the ancient coming-of-age ceremony known as genpuku.

Reflections

After the previous day's rain, the sun shone brightly. From early morning, people gathered near the Akasaka Estate in Minato Ward, where Prince Hisahito resides, as well as in front of the Imperial Palace, waving flags to celebrate his coming of age. As cheers of "Banzai" rang out, the Prince opened the car window, bowed, and waved in response.

That evening, after completing all the ceremonies and returning to his residence, Prince Hisahito spoke to the press: "I feel relieved that the Coming-of-Age Ceremony was carried out without incident." He expressed gratitude to his family and others who had watched over his growth, and once again affirmed his resolve: "I wish to firmly fulfill my role as part of the Imperial Household."

Through the Imperial Household Agency, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko shared their reflections: "As we remember Hisahito as a young child, we are deeply moved to see him reach this milestone, beginning his public duties as an adult member of the Imperial Family. We hope he approaches each responsibility with care and fulfills his duties faithfully."

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Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun

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