Japanese Prince Hisahito, son of Crown Prince Akishino, wearing ancient ceremonial costume, leaves for a ceremony by a carriage at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 as he celebrated his 19th birthday and attended the coming-of-age ceremony at the palace. (Yoshikazu Tsuno/Pool Photo via AP)
Republished September 06, 2025 - 1:25 AM
Original Publication Date September 06, 2025 - 12:26 AM
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Prince Hisahito was formally recognized as an adult on Saturday in an elaborate ceremony steeped in imperial tradition. He could be the royal family's last heir.
The only son of Crown Prince Akishino, Hisahito, 19, is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
With Japan’s male-only succession rules and shrinking royal family, the monarchy faces a looming crisis that mirrors Japan’s rapidly aging and shrinking population. The university freshman, passionate about dragonflies and urban ecology, shoulders the burden of a 1,500-year dynasty’s future.
Proposals to allow female emperors or adopt heirs from former royal branches have stalled, leaving Hisahito at the center of an unresolved national debate.
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