Japan’s Prince Hisahito Holds Debut News Conference, Discusses Future Role and Studies

Tokyo, The Gulf Observer: Japan’s Prince Hisahito, the second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, held his debut news conference on Monday, offering insights into his future responsibilities. The prince, who turned 18 last September, emphasized his intention to balance his royal duties with his university studies, which will begin next month. He also shared his interest in researching dragonflies.

Hisahito’s adulthood marks a significant milestone in the Japanese Imperial family, as he is the first male member to reach this stage in nearly four decades. The Imperial family, which has ruled Japan for over a millennium, now faces demographic challenges, including a rapidly aging and shrinking population.

In his address to reporters at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo, the prince expressed admiration for his uncle, Emperor Naruhito, and other senior members of the Imperial family, vowing to follow their example in his approach to public duties.

As the second in line to the throne, following his father, Crown Prince Akishino, Hisahito is one of the five male members of the Imperial family, which includes former Emperor Akihito. His statement also reiterated the symbolic role of the emperor as one who “always thinks of the people and stays close to them.”

Despite the significance of his birthday last year, Hisahito noted that he was focused on completing his high school studies, barely having time for celebrations.

Under the 1947 Imperial House Law, which restricts the throne’s succession to male heirs, Hisahito remains next in line after his father, with his cousin, Princess Aiko, barred from succession despite being in direct line of descent due to the law’s gender restrictions.