In a historic moment for Japan’s royal family, Prince Hisahito celebrated his 18th birthday, becoming the first male royal in nearly four decades to reach adulthood. This milestone holds great significance for a royal family that has ruled Japan for over a millennium. However, the Imperial House faces similar challenges to the rest of the nation, such as an aging and shrinking population, putting pressure on the royal lineage and succession.
Prince Hisahito: Japan’s Future Emperor
As the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, Prince Hisahito is set to play a crucial role in the future of Japan’s monarchy. His father, Crown Prince Akishino, was the last male royal to come of age in 1985, making Hisahito’s adulthood a landmark event for the Imperial family. Hisahito is the youngest member of Japan’s 17-member royal family, which now includes only four males, further emphasizing the significance of his position.
The Succession Dilemma: A Royal Crisis
Prince Hisahito’s status as the only heir apparent poses a serious issue for the monarchy, as Japan’s current Imperial House Law prohibits women from ascending to the throne. This outdated law, dating back to 1947, reflects conservative pre-war family values, allowing only male heirs to succeed. Female members of the royal family are required to renounce their royal status upon marrying commoners, further limiting the number of eligible successors.
The lack of male heirs has sparked national debate about the future of the Japanese monarchy. While some advocate for modernizing the Imperial House Law to allow female succession, traditionalists are resistant to the idea. The government is currently exploring ways to stabilize the line of succession without relying on women, but the future remains uncertain.
Public Opinion and the Role of Princess Aiko
The general public’s favorite for the throne, Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, has gained widespread support. Aiko, who is now 22 years old, is viewed as an ideal candidate for empress, given her intelligence and royal lineage. However, despite being the daughter of the reigning emperor, Japan’s current laws prevent her from becoming the sovereign. Aiko’s popularity has fueled calls for revising the law to allow female rulers, a change that would reflect the evolving societal values of modern Japan.
Hisahito’s Personal Journey to Adulthood
On his 18th birthday, Prince Hisahito expressed excitement about his transition into adulthood and a deep desire to grow through life’s experiences. “I hope to learn more through each and every experience, absorbing various aspects and growing through them,” he shared through the Imperial Household Agency. Hisahito also acknowledged the support he has received over the years, expressing gratitude towards his parents and elder sisters.
The prince, born on September 6, 2006, is currently a third-year student at the prestigious Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba. With graduation approaching, he is keen to make the most of his remaining high school years. His Coming-of-Age Ceremony, traditionally held for imperial family members at 20, will be scheduled for spring 2025 or later, after his graduation.
A Historical First: Prince Hisahito and Japan’s Revised Civil Code
Prince Hisahito is the first member of the imperial family to turn 18 under Japan’s revised Civil Code. In April 2022, Japan lowered the legal age of adulthood from 20 to 18, marking a significant shift in the country’s societal structure. His cousin, Princess Aiko, celebrated her Coming-of-Age Ceremony after turning 20 in 2021, as per the previous law.
The change in the legal age of adulthood reflects Japan’s efforts to adapt to modern societal trends. Prince Hisahito’s experience of adulthood under this revised law highlights the changing nature of royal traditions in response to contemporary legal frameworks.
The Future of Japan’s Imperial Line
As Prince Hisahito steps into adulthood, his role in shaping the future of Japan’s imperial family becomes increasingly significant. The weight of responsibility lies heavily on his shoulders, as he is expected to preserve the traditions of the royal family while navigating the challenges posed by modern society.
The royal family’s current crisis over succession is a reflection of Japan’s broader societal challenges, including population decline and shifting gender norms. The debate over whether to allow female emperors will likely intensify in the coming years, especially as the number of eligible male heirs continues to dwindle.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Japan’s Monarchy
Prince Hisahito’s 18th birthday marks a pivotal moment for Japan’s royal family, symbolizing both continuity and uncertainty. As the first male royal in nearly four decades to reach adulthood, Hisahito represents the future of the Japanese monarchy, but his position also highlights the fragility of the royal succession system.
With only four male members remaining in the imperial family and no immediate solution in sight, Japan must confront the realities of its aging monarchy and consider whether modernization of its succession laws is necessary. The coming years will be crucial in determining the future of the Chrysanthemum Throne and the role that both Prince Hisahito and his cousin, Princess Aiko, will play in shaping the next chapter of Japan’s royal history.