Japan [Tokyo], September 7: Japan's Prince Hisahito was officially recognised as an adult on his 19th birthday on Saturday in a traditional ceremony attended by the Japanese imperial couple. The event was held a year late for organisational reasons, according to media reports.
This was the first ceremony of its kind in around 40 years, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. The last one was held for Hisahito's father, Crown Prince Akishino, the brother and heir of Emperor Naruhito.
NHK footage showed Hisahito receiving a crown from the emperor. Afterwards, he walked through the room to Naruhito and Empress Masako, expressing his gratitude to them and his parents - Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko - for being part of the imperial family as an adult member.
Prince Hisahito, who is now a university student, is the only son of the crown prince. He has two sisters, but under Japanese imperial law, women are barred from ascending the throne. Should the prince one day fail to have male offspring, "the imperial family will cease to exist," said imperial expert Ernst Lokowandt.
Source: Qatar Tribune
