Desk Reports:
Japan’s royal family welcomes first adult prince in 40 years
Japan’s Prince Hisahito has officially come of age. He recently turned 19, turning 18. This is the first adult crown prince to join the Japanese royal family in 40 years, British media outlet The Guardian reported.
Hisahito, now 19, is the nephew of the current Emperor Naruhito. Hisahito is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne in the Japanese imperial family. With no male heir after him, pressure has mounted to rethink Japan’s 19th-century male-only succession policy.
Hisahito’s coming-of-age ceremony began on Saturday. However, he became an adult a year early. However, the ceremony was postponed a year due to university entrance exams. At the ceremony, an emissary of the emperor placed the konmuri crown (royal crown) on him.
At the ceremony, Hisahito said, “I sincerely thank you for conferring the crown on me today at the coming-of-age ceremony. I will fulfill my duties while remaining mindful of my responsibilities as a member of the royal family.”
Hisahito’s coming-of-age ceremony began on Saturday. However, he became an adult a year early. However, the ceremony was postponed a year due to university entrance exams. At the ceremony, an emissary of the emperor placed the konmuri crown (royal crown) on him.
At the ceremony, Hisahito said, “I sincerely thank you for conferring the crown on me today at the coming-of-age ceremony. I will fulfill my duties while remaining mindful of my responsibilities as a member of the royal family.”
