TOKYO. Japan’s Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, formally celebrated his coming-of-age rituals on Saturday, making him the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years. Hisahito, who turned 18 last year, is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne and is widely expected to become emperor one day.
However, the elaborate ceremonies highlight the pressing succession concerns facing the world’s oldest monarchy. After Hisahito, there are no younger male heirs. The male-only succession system, enshrined in the 1947 Imperial House Law, excludes women from ascending the throne despite public support for female emperors, such as Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
Historians and experts have long warned that the system is unsustainable. Traditionally, female succession was permitted, and there have been eight female emperors in Japanese history. Proposals to allow women to reign, or to extend royal status to the spouses and children of princesses, have stalled due to political resistance from conservatives.
Former Imperial Household Agency chief Shingo Haketa earlier noted that Hisahito bears the heavy burden of the family’s future. “The fundamental question is not whether to allow male or female succession line but how to save the monarchy,” he said.
Prince Hisahito, a biology student at Tsukuba University, is known for his interest in insects, particularly dragonflies, and has co-authored an academic paper on insect populations in Tokyo. His coming-of-age rituals included multiple ceremonies at the Imperial Palace, visits to sacred shrines and mausoleums, and traditional rites of wearing the crown. He also received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, a high honor in the imperial tradition.
The prince is the youngest member of the 16-member all-adult Imperial Family and one of only two male heirs younger than Emperor Naruhito. Succession concerns remain unresolved, underscoring the uncertain future of the Japanese monarchy.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
