Japan’s Prince Hisahito has reached a significant milestone, celebrating his 19th birthday and marking the first coming-of-age ceremony for a male member of the royal family in 40 years. This event is not just a personal achievement but a poignant reminder of the challenges facing the Japanese Imperial Family, which is grappling with the implications of its male-only succession policy.
The elaborate rituals held at the palace on Saturday formally recognised Hisahito as an adult, underscoring his status as second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. As the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, he is likely to ascend to the throne one day, but his emergence as a royal adult also highlights a stark reality: he may be one of the last male heirs of Japan’s ancient monarchy.
Succession Challenges and Future Outlook
The Imperial Family’s dwindling numbers pose a significant concern for its future. Hisahito’s father, Crown Prince Akishino, was the last male to reach adulthood in the family back in 1985. Following Hisahito, there are no male heirs left, raising questions about potential changes to the imperial succession laws established in the 19th century that currently exclude female succession.
Japan has a long-standing tradition of male emperors, with eight female emperors in its history, the last being Gosakuramachi, who ruled from 1762 to 1770. However, none of these female rulers produced a male heir during their reign. This historical context adds complexity to discussions regarding the succession crisis as Japan faces a rapidly ageing and declining population.
Hisahito’s coming-of-age ceremony comes a year after he reached legal adulthood at 18, a timing he chose to ensure he could focus on his college entrance exams. Currently a first-year student at Tsukuba University near Tokyo, he is studying biology and has developed a keen interest in dragonflies. In fact, he co-authored an academic paper on the survey of these insects on the grounds of his Akasaka estate in Tokyo, indicating his commitment to environmental conservation.
Looking Ahead
In his debut news conference in March, Hisahito expressed his intentions to delve deeper into the study of dragonflies and other insects, particularly focusing on how to protect their populations in urban settings. At just 19, he is already making strides in both his academic pursuits and his royal duties, which will likely grow in importance as he prepares for a future role within the Imperial Family.
Hisahito is the youngest member of the 16-member all-adult Imperial Family, which includes his two older sisters: the popular Princess Kako and former Princess Mako, who relinquished her royal status upon marrying a non-royal. Hisahito’s position as the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko further emphasizes the unique pressures he faces as the future of the monarchy rests upon his shoulders.
As Japan navigates the complexities of an ageing society, the future of its Imperial Family remains uncertain. The upcoming discussions around potential changes to succession laws and the implications for the monarchy will be closely watched by both the public and historians alike. The ceremony celebrating Hisahito’s coming of age serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Imperial Family and the challenges it faces in sustaining its legacy.
