Japan’s Prince Hisahito comes of age: All about the succession debate with his sister

“Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming-of-age ceremony,” he said. “I will fulfil my duties, being aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family.”

Who is Prince Hisahito?

Prince Hisahito is the only male grandchild of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and second in line to the throne after his father, Crown Prince Akishino.

In this photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Prince Hisahito, center, attends his coming-of-age ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. (AP)

His position is significant because Japan’s imperial succession rules allow only men to inherit the throne, making him central to the future of the monarchy – the oldest continuing monarchy in the world.

Male-only succession rules under debate

Although Emperor Naruhito has a daughter, Princess Aiko, she cannot inherit the throne under current law. Opinion polls in Japan have shown wide support for a woman emperor, but traditionalists argue that the “unbroken line” of male succession must continue.

Prime Ministerial panels have previously discussed reforms. In 2005, a government group suggested allowing the oldest child, regardless of gender, to take the throne. However, Hisahito’s birth in 2006 set aside the debate.

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. (AP)

Royal historian Hideya Kawanishi told The Guardian, “If people who are generally supportive [of female emperors] become a bit louder, then politicians can become more serious. But when ceremonies end, society, including the media, calms down and moves on.”

Pressures facing the imperial family

Hisahito has said he has “not yet thought deeply” about marriage. Women marrying into the family have often faced heavy public scrutiny. Empress Masako, once a diplomat, struggled with stress-related illness, and Hisahito’s sister, Mako, left the royal household after marrying Kei Komuro.

She faced intense tabloid coverage and was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder before moving to the United States.