40 Facts About Prince Hisahito Of Akishino

Early Life and Birth

Prince Hisahito of Akishino has been a significant figure in Japan's imperial family since his birth. Let's dive into the early years of this young prince.

1. Prince Hisahito was born at 08:27 JST (23:27 UTC) on September 6, 2006, by Caesarean section, two weeks early, due to complications in the pregnancy.
2. The newborn prince weighed 2,558 grams (about 5.6 pounds).
3. His personal name, chosen by his father, means "serene and virtuous" or "virtuous, calm, everlasting".

Family Background

Understanding Hisahito's family background helps us appreciate his unique position within the imperial family.

4. Hisahito is the youngest of three children and the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko. He has two older sisters, Princess Mako and Princess Kako.
5. As the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, Hisahito is second in line to the throne after his father, Crown Prince Akishino.
6. His birth was a significant event in Japan, as it marked the first male heir to the imperial family in over 40 years, since the birth of his father in 1965.

Impact on Succession Debate

Hisahito's birth had a profound impact on discussions about the imperial succession.

7. The birth of Hisahito eased the national discussion about potential changes to the Imperial Household Law, which currently limits the throne to male heirs.
8. The Japanese Imperial House Law, established in 1947, only allows men to ascend to the throne and requires female members who marry commoners to give up their royal status.
9. Aside from Hisahito and Crown Prince Akishino, the only other potential heir is Prince Hitachi, the 88-year-old uncle of Emperor Naruhito, who has no children of his own.

Education Journey

Hisahito's education has been closely followed by the public, reflecting both traditional and modern approaches.

10. Prince Hisahito began his education in kindergarten at a school affiliated with Ochanomizu University in Tokyo in the spring of 2010.
11. In April 2013, Hisahito transitioned to Ochanomizu University Elementary School to be with many of his friends from kindergarten.
12. By his second year, Hisahito was reported to be doing well at school, helping to look after first-year pupils and playing with his friends.
13. In April 2019, Hisahito was enrolled in Ochanomizu University Junior High School.
14. There was an assassination attempt on him at Ochanomizu University Junior High School in May 2019, but he was not harmed.
15. In August 2019, Hisahito accompanied his parents on an official visit to Bhutan.
16. In April 2022, Hisahito was enrolled in University of Tsukuba Senior High School in Tokyo.

Academic Interests and Achievements

Hisahito's academic interests reveal a young prince deeply engaged with his studies and the natural world.

17. The prince is extremely interested in natural history, particularly the habitats of insects, and has been engaged in fieldwork, attending lectures by experts and reading related materials.
18. Pursuing his longstanding interest in dragonflies, Hisahito co-authored an academic paper last year on a survey of dragonflies on the grounds of his family's Akasaka Estate residence, which was published in the Bulletin of the National Museum of Nature and Science.

Royal Duties and Public Appearances

Despite his young age, Hisahito has already begun to take on royal duties and make public appearances.

19. While attending school, Hisahito has slowly begun to be involved in royal duties, including accompanying his father to the national culture festival for high schools in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, for two days from July 31.
20. His Coming-of-Age Ceremony, which is usually held to mark this milestone, has been postponed to spring 2025 or later to ensure it doesn’t disrupt his academic life.
21. Prince Hisahito turned 18 on September 6, 2024, becoming the first male member of Japan's imperial family to reach adulthood in around 39 years following his father.
22. On the occasion of his 18th birthday, Hisahito expressed his gratitude and commitment to his studies, stating, "I hope to learn more through each and every experience, absorbing various aspects and growing through them".

Family Dynamics and Public Perception

Hisahito's life is not only about his personal achievements but also about his role within the family and public perception.

23. The prince thanked the many people who have supported him over the years, including his parents and his elder sisters, Mako Komuro and Princess Kako.
24. The current total number of royal members stands at 17, with 12 being women, including Princess Aiko and Princess Kako, Hisahito’s 29-year-old sister.
25. The number of royal members carrying out duties has been shrinking due to females marrying out of the family, including Hisahito’s eldest sister, former Princess Mako, who married her university sweetheart in 2021.

Historical Context and Legal Status

The historical context and legal status of the imperial family add another layer of complexity to Hisahito's life.

26. In January 2007, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that he would drop an earlier proposal to alter the Imperial Household Law to allow women to inherit the throne, following Hisahito’s birth.
27. The government of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda proposed enabling female members of the imperial family to establish their own imperial branches even after marriage to commoners in October 2012. However, these discussions lost momentum after Noda was replaced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
28. Despite ongoing debates, the current law remains unchanged, placing a burden on the few aging males old enough to perform royal duties as females leave the family.

Media Coverage and Public Interest

Hisahito's life and activities have garnered significant public interest, with many following his educational and personal milestones closely.

29. Hisahito’s life and activities have garnered significant public interest, with many following his educational and personal milestones closely.
30. The prince has been featured in various media outlets, including news articles and documentaries, highlighting his unique position within Japan’s imperial family.
31. As a member of Japan’s imperial family, Hisahito carries significant cultural and historical weight, representing a continuation of traditions dating back centuries.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Beyond his royal duties and academic pursuits, Hisahito has personal interests that reflect his diverse personality.

32. Beyond his academic pursuits, Hisahito has shown interest in various hobbies and activities, including natural history and fieldwork, which reflect his diverse personality and interests.
33. The prince is part of a long line of Japanese royalty, with his family adhering to traditional customs and practices that have been passed down through generations.

Future Prospects and Cultural Impact

As Hisahito continues to grow, his future prospects and cultural impact become even more significant.

34. Despite his young age, Hisahito has made several public appearances alongside his family members, including official visits and cultural events, showcasing his role in promoting Japanese culture and traditions.
35. Hisahito’s education at schools other than Gakushūin Primary School marks a departure from traditional royal education methods, reflecting modernization and diversification in the education system.
36. Given his status as a member of Japan’s royal family, Prince Hisahito is subject to enhanced security measures to ensure his safety and well-being.
37. The prince’s life is subject to media scrutiny, with journalists closely monitoring his activities and milestones to provide the public with updates on his life and career.
38. As he continues his education and prepares for future royal duties, Prince Hisahito is poised to play an increasingly significant role in Japan’s imperial family, potentially becoming the next emperor one day.
39. Hisahito’s presence in the public eye has contributed to a renewed interest in Japan’s imperial family and its traditions, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
40. As a young prince with a promising future ahead, Hisahito is not only representing his family but also contributing to the continuation and evolution of Japan’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

Prince Hisahito: A Glimpse into Japan's Future

Prince Hisahito of Akishino stands as a beacon of hope for Japan's imperial family. Born on September 6, 2006, his arrival marked the first male heir in over 40 years, easing debates about succession laws. Hisahito's journey through education, from Ochanomizu University Elementary to University of Tsukuba Senior High School, showcases his dedication to learning. His interests in natural history, particularly dragonflies, highlight his unique personality. As he steps into adulthood, Hisahito's involvement in royal duties will only grow, shaping his future role in Japan's monarchy. His life, filled with both tradition and modern aspirations, reflects the evolving nature of Japan's imperial family. With a promising future ahead, Prince Hisahito is set to play a pivotal role in preserving and continuing Japan's rich cultural heritage.