Brilio.net - The Japanese Imperial Family has just reached a milestone when Prince Hisahito celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday, September 6, 2024. As the first male in the royal family to reach adulthood in nearly four decades, Hisahito brings a new sense of optimism while highlighting the great challenges facing the imperial family that has ruled Japan for more than a thousand years.
With the population aging and shrinking and conservative succession rules in place, Prince Hisahitos coming of age has become a sticking point in discussions about the future of the imperial family. As Emperor Naruhitos nephew and Crown Prince Akishinos son, he is the last potential male heir in a male-only line of succession.
The situation has sparked debate about how to maintain the throne amid current legal restrictions that prohibit women from becoming emperor. Here is a more detailed look at Prince Hisahito, summarized from various sources on Monday, September 9, 2024.
Prince Hisahito was born on September 6, 2006, at 8:27 a.m. local time by caesarean section. At birth, he weighed 2.6 kg (5.7 lb) and was 48.8 cm (17 in) long. Hisahito's birth was seen as a significant moment because the imperial family had not had a male heir for the previous 40 years. His father, Fumihito, was 40 at the time of his birth, and Hisahito brought new hope to the imperial line of succession amid growing calls for a change to the law preventing women from ascending the throne.
As the third child of Crown Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, Hisahito has two older sisters: Princess Mako and Princess Kako. Despite the ongoing debate over the future of the imperial succession, Hisahito's childhood was filled with joy and typical childlike activities. His first birthday was celebrated with great fanfare, and his family was overjoyed to welcome him.
At the age of three, Hisahito weighed 13.6 kg and was 94 cm tall. He showed independence from an early age, enjoying playing ball and rollerblading, and could already eat and dress himself. Within the family, he was affectionately known as "Yuyu," "Yu-chan," or "Hisahito-kun," indicating his warmth and closeness to his parents.
Hisahito's arrival has raised new hopes for the continuity of Japan's imperial line, while also sparking more discussion about conservative succession rules and potential future changes.
Japan's Prince Hisahito celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday, September 6, 2024. He is a key figure in Japan's imperial family, which is facing the issue of regeneration. As the first male in nearly four decades to reach adulthood, Hisahito is the mainstay of hopes for maintaining the continuity of the Japanese imperial throne, which currently has only four adult male members of the family's 17 members.
Hisahito is the nephew of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and the son of Crown Prince Akishino, the latter reaching adulthood in 1985. Hisahito's status as third in line after Naruhito and Akishino gives him a central position in the line of imperial succession.
The Japanese imperial system was very conservative, not allowing women to become imperial leaders. In addition, female members who married commoners had to give up their royal status.
Prince Hisahito's education differed from the usual Japanese imperial education tradition. It was a modern and inclusive approach to learning that the Prince followed. He began his education at the kindergarten affiliated with Ochanomizu University and went on to Ochanomizu University Elementary School, making him the first member of the imperial family to attend school outside of Gakushuin Elementary School after World War II.
After completing his elementary education, Hisahito continued his education at Ochanomizu University Junior High School and graduated in March 2022. Then, he continued his education at Otsuka High School, University of Tsukuba through a special program.
At school, Hisahito was active in extracurricular activities such as the badminton club and was interested in nature, especially insects. He often conducted insect surveys, showing an interest in biology. In addition, he participated in school activities such as sports day and cultural festivals. Outside of school, Hisahito often accompanied his parents to official events and met other members of the royal family.