Prince Hisahito, the 18-year-old son of Crown Prince Akishino, has officially joined Japan’s Imperial family as an adult, a significant milestone as he becomes the first male member of the family to reach adulthood in 39 years, according to the Japan Times. Hisahito’s coming of age comes amid broader societal concerns in Japan, including a rapidly aging population and declining birth rates.
In a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, Hisahito expressed his hopes to gain wisdom through various experiences and to grow from them. He also thanked his parents, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, and his sisters, including Mako Komuro, who left the Imperial family after her marriage, and Princess Kako. Hisahito also mentioned his intention to make the most of his remaining time in high school.
Currently a third-year student at the University of Tsukuba’s Senior High School in Tokyo, Hisahito’s formal Coming-of-Age Ceremony and press conference have been postponed to the spring of 2025 or later to avoid conflicting with his academic schedule.
As the youngest member of the 17-person Imperial family and the only male heir apparent, Hisahito’s role is crucial, especially given Japan’s 1947 Imperial House Law, which restricts the throne to male successors and requires female members who marry commoners to relinquish their royal status. Currently, aside from Hisahito and Crown Prince Akishino, the only other male successors are the 88-year-old childless Prince Hitachi, the emperor’s uncle.
Hisahito’s entry into adulthood underscores the ongoing challenges facing Japan’s Imperial family as they navigate traditional succession laws amid modern societal shifts.
