Unlike popular belief, Japan has the world’s oldest monarchy. The 2,600-year-old imperial lineage just crowned 19-year-old Hisahito as their heir after 40 years. With their gender restrictive succession norms, Emperor Naruhito’s 23-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, remained excluded.
In a grand ceremony at the Imperial Palace, bringing a ray of the hope to the succession crisis, nephew of Emperor Naruhito received a black silk and lacquer crown on Saturday. Prince Hisahito’s coming-of-age ceremony formally recognised him as an adult as he became second in line to take over the Chrysanthemum Throne and become emperor.
Who is Prince Hisahito?
Prince Hisahito of Akishino is the youngest child and the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito (Prince Akishino) and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan. Nephew of the current emperor who has two elder sisters. They are Princess Kako, Hisahito’s mother, and Princess Mako, who gave up her royal status after marrying a commoner. Born on September 6, Hisahito was the first male born into the imperial family in 41 years and gave his first press conference in March 2025.
Studying biology at Tsukuba University near Tokyo, he is known to have a particular interest in dragonflies and insect populations, and was a part of the badminton club. Before studying Biology, Hisahito entered the Ochanomizu University Junior High School in April 2019. His personal name means “serene, virtuous, calm, and everlasting”.
Japan’s male succession rules
Established in 1947, the Japanese Royal Family currently limits the throne to male descendants as per their Imperial House Law putting the family’s future at risk, before Hisahito was born. Public opinion in Japan shows some support for changing the succession laws to allow women to ascend the throne, but government and traditionalist positions largely favor preserving male succession.
Once Hisahito succeeds, he is expected to bring in change but carry on the Royal Family’s lineage.
