Japan's Prince Hisahito Becomes First Male Royal to Reach Adulthood in 40 Years

Japan's Prince Hisahito Adorns New Status at Coming-of-Age Ceremony TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 - Japan's Prince Hisahito marked a significant milestone in his life as he became the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years. The nephew of Emperor Naruhito, Hisahito received a black silk and lacquer crown at his coming-of-age ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of his royal adult life. At the ceremony, Hisahito, 19, expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him and pledged to fulfill his duties as an adult member of the imperial family. "Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming-of-age ceremony," he said. "I will fulfil my duties, being aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family." Hisahito's coming-of-age rituals were delayed by a year due to his desire to concentrate on college entrance exams. He is now studying biology at Tsukuba University near Tokyo. As the second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, named after the flower that serves as the seal of the Imperial House, Hisahito is likely to become emperor one day. However, the male-only succession policy has raised questions about the future of Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito's daughter, who has been sidelined by the current rules. The ceremony highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding Japan's imperial family's succession laws. In 2020, a law change allowed women to ascend to the throne, but the male-only succession rule remains in place. This has sparked concerns about the future of Princess Aiko and her potential role as empress. According to experts, the current system is outdated and may need to be revised to ensure a smooth transition of power. "The coming-of-age ceremony for Prince Hisahito marks an important moment in Japan's history," said Dr. Yumi Ito, a historian specializing in Japanese imperial family. "However, it also raises questions about the future of Princess Aiko and the need for reform." As Japan continues to navigate its complex succession laws, the country is also grappling with the implications of AI on its society. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring the potential applications of AI in various fields, including healthcare, education, and governance. The development of AI technologies has sparked both excitement and concern about their impact on human society. While some experts argue that AI can bring numerous benefits, such as improved efficiency and accuracy, others warn about the risks associated with its misuse. In Japan, efforts are being made to address these concerns through education and awareness campaigns. The government has launched initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy and encouraging responsible use of AI technologies. As Prince Hisahito embarks on his new journey as a young adult, he will likely face numerous challenges and opportunities. With the country's imperial family succession laws under scrutiny, Japan is poised to navigate significant changes in the years to come. Background: The Japanese imperial family has a long history dating back over 1,400 years. The current emperor, Naruhito, ascended to the throne in 2019 following the abdication of his father, Akihito. The Chrysanthemum Throne is named after the flower that serves as the seal of the Imperial House. Implications: The coming-of-age ceremony for Prince Hisahito has significant implications for Japan's imperial family and its succession laws. As the country continues to navigate these complex issues, it will be essential to address concerns about the future of Princess Aiko and the need for reform. Next Developments: In the coming months, Japan is expected to continue debating its imperial family succession laws. The government has announced plans to review the current system and explore potential changes. As Prince Hisahito begins his new role as a young adult, he will likely play an increasingly important part in these discussions. Sources: Jiji Press/AFP Tsukuba University Japanese Imperial Household Agency *Reporting by Dw.*