The future Emperor of Japan comes of age today, but he won’t be undertaking royal duties until next spring. As he turns 18, Royal News takes a look at his young life so far.
Prince Hisahito of Akishino was born as the youngest child of then Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko on 6 September 2006. The current Crown Princess of Japan gave birth to her third child at Aiiku Hospital in Tokyo.
Hisahito has two older sisters, Mako Komuro and Princess Kako. Mako gave up her royal titles and place in the Imperial Family upon marriage to a commoner, as is required by Japanese law. She now resides in New York City.
Hisahito’s name was chosen by his father, and the Imperial Household has said it means “serene and virtuous.”
Prince Hisahito in the back row behind his aunt, Empress Masako and father, Crown Prince Fumihito in 2021. By 外務省, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hisahito began kindergarten in 2010 and started elementary school in April 2013. By April 2019, he was studying at Ochanomizu University Junior High School, where there was a planned attempt on his life. The would-be perpetrator was arrested by police after two knives were found on the royal’s desk. He began high school in 2022.
Prince Hisahito may come of age today, but he won’t start undertaking royal duties until spring 2025. This includes his coming-of-age ceremony and rituals. He is expected to graduate from the University of Tsukuba High School in March 2025.
The Prince’s birth was widely celebrated in Japan as it provided another heir to an already small Imperial Family. Japan does not allow women in the line of succession and reign in their own right. He is the only grandson of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and is now second in line to the Japanese throne to succeed his uncle, Emperor Naruhito. The line of succession only has three people.
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