A milestone moment with lasting questions
Japan’s Prince Hisahito has officially reached adulthood, the first male royal to do so in 40 years. Yet, this symbolic milestone highlights an urgent challenge: the future of Japan’s monarchy under its male-only succession law. Hisahito, now second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, may one day become emperor—but after him, the line appears to end.
A prince with passions beyond tradition
Currently a freshman at Tsukuba University, Hisahito studies biology and spends his free time playing badminton. His love for nature, especially insects, is well known. He even co-authored an academic paper on dragonflies at his family’s Akasaka estate. In his debut news conference, he spoke passionately about protecting insect populations in urban environments.
Born on September 6, 2006, Hisahito is the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko. He has two older sisters: Princess Kako, and former Princess Mako, who gave up her royal status upon marrying a commoner.
Tradition under pressure
Hisahito’s coming-of-age rituals took place a year later than usual, as he focused on university entrance exams. His position in the Imperial Family, however, places immense weight on his future. The male-only succession system, preserved in law since 1947, has left the family with just three heirs: Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother Akishino, Hisahito himself, and Prince Hitachi, who is 89.
Historians warn that the system is outdated. Japan once had eight female emperors, yet none left heirs during their reign. Critics argue the policy only survived in the past because concubines produced imperial children, a practice long abandoned.
A nation divided over change
Public support for Princess Aiko, Emperor Naruhito’s only child, as a future monarch is strong. However, conservatives resist female succession. A government proposal in 2005 suggested allowing women to inherit the throne, but Hisahito’s birth shifted momentum away from reform.
A 2022 expert panel recommended maintaining the male line while allowing princesses to keep royal status after marriage. Another idea involves adopting male descendants from former aristocratic families. Yet debates remain stalled, leaving Hisahito to carry the expectations of an entire dynasty.
The influential Yomiuri newspaper recently urged urgent reforms, calling for parliament to expand succession to include women and their descendants. It warned that without decisive action, the monarchy itself could face an existential crisis.
Celebrating a young heir
On Saturday, Hisahito’s rituals began with a crown delivered from Emperor Naruhito. After donning traditional attire to symbolize adulthood, he rode a horse-drawn carriage to the Imperial Palace shrines for prayer. Later, he greeted the Emperor and Empress in the prestigious Pine Room, received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, and paid respects to his grandparents, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Michiko.
The celebrations will continue with visits to sacred shrines and imperial mausoleums next week, alongside a formal lunch with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
A monarchy at a crossroads
While Hisahito embraces his new role, the larger question remains unanswered: Can Japan’s monarchy survive without revising its succession laws? For now, all hopes rest on one young prince, whose adulthood marks both celebration and uncertainty.
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