TOKYO. Prince Hisahito, a key figure in the future of Japan’s monarchy, celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday, marking a significant milestone as the first male member of the Japanese imperial family to reach adulthood in nearly four decades. Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, is next in line to the throne after his father, Crown Prince Akishino, and is poised to become emperor one day.
This event is crucial for Japan’s royal family, which has faced growing concerns over the dwindling number of male heirs. Hisahito’s father, Akishino, was the last male to reach adulthood back in 1985. Currently, there are only four male members among the 17-person imperial family, all of whom are adults.
Hisahito’s coming of age highlights a pressing issue in Japan’s imperial succession. The 1947 Imperial House Law, which governs the royal family, allows only men to ascend the throne, meaning female members lose their royal status if they marry commoners. This law has created challenges for the continuity of the monarchy, as the family struggles with an aging and shrinking population.
“Right now, I would like to cherish my remaining time in high school,” Hisahito said in a statement, reflecting on his education and interests. Known for his passion for nature, he has co-authored an academic paper on dragonfly species found on the grounds of the Akasaka estate in Tokyo.
Hisahito’s older cousin, Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is widely popular among the public and seen as a potential future leader. However, due to the current male-only succession law, she is not eligible for the throne.
The government has been discussing potential reforms to ensure stable succession, including the possibility of allowing female members to retain their royal status after marriage or adopting male heirs from now-defunct royal families. However, these proposals remain contentious, with traditionalists resisting any change to the male-only lineage.
A government-commissioned panel of experts in January 2022 suggested such reforms as a way to address the declining number of imperial family members. Critics argue that these measures may not be enough to sustain the monarchy, especially considering the historical reliance on concubines to maintain the male lineage in pre-modern times.
With Prince Hisahito’s coming of age, Japan’s monarchy stands at a crossroads, facing both traditional expectations and modern challenges in preserving the royal lineage.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
