Prince Hisahito, nephew of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, marked a significant milestone for the imperial family on Friday as he turned 18, becoming the first male royal to reach adulthood in nearly 40 years. This event highlights both the traditions and challenges facing Japan’s 1,500-year-old monarchy.
Hisahito’s coming of age is particularly noteworthy as he is currently the only male heir of his generation in the imperial family. His father, Crown Prince Akishino, was the last male royal to reach adulthood in 1985.
The prince’s birthday underscores the succession issues confronting the world’s oldest continuing hereditary monarchy. Japan’s imperial family now consists of just 17 adult members, with only four men. This demographic challenge mirrors Japan’s broader societal issues of an aging and shrinking population.
Under the Imperial House Law of 1947, which largely preserves pre-war conservative family values, only males can ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne. This law also requires female royals who marry commoners to forfeit their imperial status, further reducing the family’s numbers.
The succession issue has sparked debate in Japan. Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is popular among the public as a potential future empress. However, the current law prohibits her succession despite her direct lineage.
The succession line places Emperor Naruhito first, followed by his brother Crown Prince Akishino, with Prince Hisahito third in line. This situation has prompted discussions about potential changes to the succession laws.
In his birthday statement, Prince Hisahito expressed a desire to “cherish my remaining time in high school.” The young prince has shown a keen interest in science, particularly entomology, and has co-authored an academic paper on dragonflies found on the grounds of his Tokyo residence.
The Japanese government has been grappling with ways to ensure stable imperial succession. A panel of experts recommended in January 2022 that female royals be allowed to retain their status after marriage to commoners. They also suggested adopting male descendants from former branches of the imperial family to maintain the male lineage.
Critics argue that these measures would have limited impact as long as male-only succession is maintained, pointing out that the system was historically sustained through the use of concubines in pre-modern times.
As Japan’s royal family faces these succession challenges, Prince Hisahito’s 18th birthday serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving tradition and adapting to modern realities in one of the world’s most enduring monarchies.
apnews.com
