Prince Hisahito (18 years old), destined to become the future Emperor of Japan - and currently the young man burdened with the heavy responsibility of being the only potential savior of the oldest reigning dynasty on the planet, seriously endangered of extinction - has completed his high school studies. Dressed in an impeccable Western-style suit, the only son of Prince Akishino - brother of the Head of State, Naruhito - has been alongside his classmates in the graduation ceremony at the University of Tsukuba High School in Otsuka (Tokyo), where he has studied since 2022.
Asked by a swarm of journalists waiting for him at the school gates, the prince stated with a smile: "I have had three very rewarding years studying and participating in extracurricular activities. I am deeply grateful to all the people who supported me, including my teachers and friends."
The Emperor's nephew, the only male member of the Japanese imperial family under 50, now has a month off before starting at the University of Tsukuba (Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo) in April, where he will study in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
It seems that his passion for this discipline has been inherited from his paternal grandfather, the former Emperor Akihito, and his own uncle Naruhito. In a press conference last December, the university's rector, Kyosuke Nagata, explained that he was convinced that the prince would reside in a student dormitory on campus while focusing on his higher degree.
These are particularly intense weeks for Hisahito, who, upon reaching adulthood, has had to take a step forward in his institutional duties. Thus, on March 3, the second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne offered the first press conference of his life, where he admitted feeling somewhat "nervous" but also showed signs of great maturity and assured that he is well "aware of his responsibilities". That same day, Hisahito visited the archives of the Imperial Household Agency, where he was able to firsthand witness the calligraphy work and restoration efforts to protect the classic books housed in the extraordinary collection of the Library Office, guardian of beautiful historical treasures of incalculable value.
Hisahito listened to the Library's chief researcher's explanations on matters such as the width of scrolls, the type of paper used, or the brushstrokes and characters. Details that fascinate Japan and even more so to Western eyes.
But Hisahito was also shown poems written by sovereigns like Emperor Reigen, who reigned in the 17th century, or by Empress Teimei, wife of Emperor Taisho (1879-1926). Poetry is one of the arts most closely linked to all members of the Japanese imperial family. Hisahito himself will have to recite a poem during the coronation ceremony -or Kawan-no-Gi-, where he will be the protagonist on September 6, his 19th birthday. A historic event where he will be symbolically recognized as a prince destined to become emperor in the future.
It is worth noting that Japan follows a strict Salic law where females not only are barred from the throne but also cannot transmit succession rights. This is why his cousin, Princess Aiko - the only daughter of Emperors Naruhito and Masako - is excluded from the dynastic line.
The Tokyo government allocated over two and a half million yen (around 16,000 euros) for the creation of the first crown that will belong to Hisahito. This echoes the humiliation of Princess Aiko, who was denied a set of jewels by Japanese authorities, following tradition, during her official coming-of-age ceremony -then at 20 years old- citing a deep crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic. Aiko had to make do with a borrowed tiara, a fabulous jewel from her aunt Sayako, Emperor Naruhito's younger sister who ceased to be a princess upon marrying a commoner, as required by the imperial rules.
Regarding Hisahito's hobbies, it is known that he enjoys sports, especially badminton, a discipline he has practiced in recent years as a member of his school's club. Therefore, the Imperial Household has recently shared images of the prince with a racket and a sweaty shirt.
Since turning 18, Hisahito's official allowance has tripled to 9.15 million yen annually.
During the aforementioned press conference, one of the inevitable questions from journalists to the prince was about marriage. Hisahito managed to respond, saying: "I haven't really thought deeply about the timing or the ideal partner yet." Under normal circumstances, this logical response from an 18-year-old would suffice. However, Hisahito will now face much greater pressure than any other prince worldwide to choose the right partner. As religious studies expert Hiromi Shimada told local media, "some said it was too early to ask him about marriage, but I am sure this topic will be recurring from now on. Citizens are very curious about the type of woman the prince will marry, who will likely become an empress."
It should not be forgotten that the imperial family is running out of members - currently comprising only 17 individuals, several of them elderly. In the line of succession, besides Hisahito, there is his father (59 years old), the current Crown Prince, and Prince Masahito, an uncle of the emperor nearing 90 years old, who is certainly not thinking about ascending any throne.
Among the women, there are five unmarried princesses. Apart from Aiko, there are Princess Kako (29 years old), the second daughter of Prince Akishino; Princess Akiko (42), the eldest daughter of the late Prince Tomohito of the Mikasa family; Princess Yoko (40), the second daughter of the late Prince Norihito of Takamado; and Princess Tsuguko (38), the eldest daughter of the late Prince Norihito of Takamado. If any of them marry a commoner, they will lose their imperial status. As mentioned, none can transmit succession rights.
Hence, no matter how young Hisahito is, he is fully aware of the anxiety his future marriage provokes in the nation and the need to have children, many of them, to ensure the dynasty's future. Quite a pressure to bear.