Japan’s Prince Hisahito celebrated his coming of age on 6 September in a series of ceremonies in Tokyo.
Prince Hisahito, 19, should have marked his coming of age last year when he turned 18; however, he wanted to focus on his studies and the ceremonies were subsequently delayed.
He entered the Shunju-no-Ma Grand Hall for the main ritual (Kakan-no-Gi) at the Imperial Palace in a beige robe symbolising his pre-adult status. During the ceremony, his robe was changed to black and a black crown (‘kanmuri’ headpiece) was placed on his head to symbolise becoming an adult by an adult aide who the Emperor had handed the crown.
An official with the Imperial Household Agency then tied a Japanese washi paper strap under his chin.
After receiving the black silk and lacquer crown, he said, “Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming-of-age ceremony. I will fulfil my duties, being aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family.”
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko looked on as the ritual took place.
He then left the palace in a horse-drawn carriage.
The Prince also paid his respects at the palace to his ancestors and gods.
The ceremonies mark the beginning of his royal life, and he will begin undertaking royal duties like the other adult members of his family.
The Prince is in his first year at Tokyo’s Tsukuba University studying biology.
Born in 2006, Hisahito is the only son of Crown Prince Hisahito and Crown Princess Kiko. He is also the only grandson of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko.
He is second in line to the Japanese throne and the first male in the Japanese Imperial Family to celebrate a coming of age in 40 years. As Japan only allows men in the line of succession, it is expected that he will one day reign as the Emperor of Japan after his uncle, Emperor Naruhito, and his father, Crown Prince Akishino.
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