Prince Hisahito has voiced his commitment to sincerely fulfill his duties as an adult member of the Japanese imperial family during his first official press conference, held to mark his coming of age. Speaking at the Akasaka Higashi Residence in Tokyo without notes for roughly 30 minutes, he emphasized his awareness of the responsibilities ahead of him and expressed his intention to uphold these responsibilities earnestly.
Now 18 and legally an adult under Japanese law, Prince Hisahito is currently second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his father, Crown Prince Fumihito. As Emperor Emeritus Akihito's only male grandchild, his role carries significant weight for the imperial family's continuity.
During the event, Prince Hisahito shared his views on the symbolic role of the emperor, emphasizing the importance of understanding and remaining close to the people. He highlighted the significance of grasping social conditions and people's everyday lives, as well as cherishing human bonds, empathizing with others, and working toward their happiness.
Regarding current social challenges, Hisahito noted his particular interest in climate change and recent natural disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake and severe rainfall. He also acknowledged the possibility of studying abroad, explaining that such a decision would be considered carefully in consultation with his family.
Prince Hisahito is finishing his final year at the University of Tsukuba’s Senior High School, located in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, and will start attending the University of Tsukuba in April. His official coming-of-age ceremony is planned to coincide with his 19th birthday on September 6, scheduled during the summer break to prevent interference with his academic responsibilities.
a deep-seated dedication to peace. He believes deeply in fostering understanding among different groups, deepening mutual knowledge, and diligently working toward international harmony.
This commitment to peace is evident in his past experiences. In August 2018, Hisahito visited Hiroshima with his mother, Crown Princess Kiko, where he honored the victims of the atomic bomb and visited the Peace Memorial Museum. There, he met Reiko Yamamoto, an atomic bomb survivor, whose stories deeply moved him; he expressed heartfelt empathy for her experiences.
Earlier this year, commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II's conclusion, Prince Hisahito visited the Repatriation Memorial Museum in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture. To prepare for this visit, he consulted experts and studied the history of the Siberian internment faced by Japanese soldiers post-war. During the press conference, he described war as a tragedy beyond description due to its devastating loss of life and immense suffering. Prince Hisahito stated his intention to continue learning about peace through historical research, reading, and visiting places of historical significance.
5 Comments
Rotfront
The continuity of the imperial family is an important part of Japan's cultural heritage and national identity.
Matzomaster
Isn't it outdated to have a royal family in the 21st century? Why should we have someone who is supposedly "better" than us just because they were born into the right family?
Karamba
Prince Hisahito's commitment to fulfilling his duties with sincerity and earnestness offers hope for a future where the imperial family continues to play a positive role in Japanese society.
Matzomaster
It's reassuring to see a young leader like Prince Hisahito acknowledge the responsibilities of his role and express his commitment to serving the people.
Rotfront
His visit to Hiroshima and his meeting with an atomic bomb survivor demonstrate his empathy and understanding of the devastating impact of war.