Japan’s Prince Hisahito has just been formally recognized as an adult in elaborate palace rituals, becoming the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years. His coming-of-age has sparked both celebration and anxiety — because he could one day be emperor, and perhaps the last.
A prince who loves bugs
Prince Hisahito, born on September 6, 2006, is the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko. He studies biology at Tsukuba University and enjoys badminton, but his biggest passion is insects.He is especially fascinated by dragonflies. In fact, he has co-authored an academic paper surveying dragonflies on the grounds of his Akasaka residence in Tokyo. At his first news conference in March, he said he hopes to focus on “dragonflies and other insects, including ways to protect bug populations in urban areas.”
Second in line to the throne
Hisahito is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, after his father. He is also the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, who has only one child — Princess Aiko. But under Japan’s current laws, only men can inherit the throne. That leaves Hisahito as the only young male heir, apart from his father.The Imperial Family has just 16 adult members, and only three are male. Prince Hitachi, 89, is next in line after Hisahito’s father. Historians say the shortage of male heirs poses a serious risk to the future of the monarchy, which is said to be 1,500 years old.
Debate over female succession
Japan has had female emperors in the past — eight in total, the last being Empress Gosakuramachi in the 18th century. But a 19th-century law banned female succession, and the current 1947 Imperial House Law also allows only men to inherit.Experts warn this system is “structurally flawed,” because in the past concubines ensured enough male heirs, something no longer possible. Public opinion strongly supports allowing women like Princess Aiko to succeed, but conservatives resist.As former Imperial Household Agency chief Shingo Haketa said, “The fundamental question is not whether to allow male or female succession line but how to save the monarchy.”
His big day
Hisahito’s coming-of-age rituals were steeped in tradition. At the palace, he wore a beige robe that symbolized youth, then received a black “kanmuri” headpiece — marking his adulthood. He bowed to Emperor Naruhito, thanked his parents, and pledged to “fulfil his responsibility as a royal member.”After the ceremony, he rode in a horse-drawn carriage to pray at shrines, greeted his uncle and aunt (Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako), and received Japan’s highest decoration, the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. His family later held a private party for him at a Tokyo hotel.In the coming days, Hisahito will visit Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine at Ise, the mausoleum of the mythical first emperor Jinmu, and the grave of his great-grandfather, wartime Emperor Hirohito. He is also scheduled to have lunch with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
A heavy burden
For now, Prince Hisahito just wants to focus on his studies and dragonflies. But with the future of the monarchy in doubt, the weight of tradition rests on his young shoulders.