Japan Prince Hisahito turns 18, first male imperial family member to reach adulthood in 39 years
Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, recently reached a significant milestone by turning 18. This marks the first time in nearly four decades that a male member of Japan's imperial family has come of age, following his father, Prince Akishino, who reached adulthood 39 years ago, Kyodo News reported.
Prince Hisahito, the only son of 58-year-old Crown Prince Fumihito and 57-year-old Crown Princess Kiko, celebrated his 18th birthday on September 6, 2024. In a statement issued through the Imperial Household Agency, he expressed his enthusiasm for this new phase of life and his eagerness to learn from various experiences. «I hope to learn more through each and every experience, absorbing various aspects and growing through them,» he said.
He also took the opportunity to thank those who have supported him over the years, including his parents and elder sisters. He mentioned his intention to cherish his remaining time in high school, where he is currently a third-year student at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba.
The Imperial Household Agency announced that Prince Hisahito’s Coming-of-Age ceremony and press conference will be scheduled for spring 2025 or later, after his high school graduation, to ensure his studies are not disrupted.
Notably, Prince Hisahito is the first member of the imperial family to come of age under Japan's revised Civil Code, which lowered the age of adulthood from 20 to 18 in April 2022. Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and
