Tokyo woke up on Saturday, September 6 in a festive and symbolic atmosphere. The Imperial Palace in the Japanese capital was filled with solemnity to celebrate a historic event: the coming of age of Prince Hisahito of Akishino, second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. At just 19, the young prince marked a day full of meaning, tradition, and emotion as he became the first male member of the Japanese imperial family to reach adulthood in four decades.
© Getty ImagesSaturday's ceremony is known as the Kakan-no-Gi. It is a traditional rite of the Japanese Imperial Household that marks the coming of age of imperial princes, symbolizing their new position and responsibilities at court. The day began early in the morning with imperial envoys arriving at the prince’s residence to present him with the ceremonial headpiece kanmuri, a symbol of maturity. Dressed in a morning coat, Hisahito traveled by horse-drawn carriage—the same one his father used in 1985—to the Imperial Palace, where Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and the rest of the family awaited him.
© Getty ImagesDuring the main ceremony, the young prince wore a traditional yellow robe with a six-meter train, reserved for those underage. He received the headpiece, a black silk and lacquer crown that marks his official entry into adulthood, in the presence of his parents, Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, his sister, Kako; and his cousin, Aiko, the daughter of the emperor and empress. The ceremony unfolded in complete silence, broken only by Hisahito’s words to his parents and the emperor, where he expressed gratitude and commitment to his new responsibilities. “Thank you very much for granting me the crown today at the coming-of-age ceremony,” said the young prince, who also added, “I will fulfill my duties, fully aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family.”
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© Getty ImagesAAfter this moment, Hisahito changed into a black robe, which is the attire worn by adult members of the imperial family, and then visited the three sanctuaries within the imperial grounds. Later, he was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, the highest honor in the country, and met with his grandparents, the Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko.
© Getty ImagesHowever, the ceremony does not end here. In the coming days, the young prince will visit the Grand Shrine of Ise, the mausoleum of the legendary Emperor Jinmu in Nara, and the tomb of Emperor Hirohito in Tokyo. A luncheon with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other officials is also planned.
© Gettty ImagesDelaying the ceremony for education
The son of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko (now the crown prince and princess) has now entered a new chapter in his life: adulthood, becoming the first male to reach this stage in nearly four decades since his father, Prince Fumihito. Hisahito turned 18 last September, but because it was an important time of preparation for higher education as a final-year high school student, the ceremony was postponed for a year and celebrated on his 19th birthday.
© Getty ImagesHisahito has been raised with a life close to normal, far from strict court protocol, completing his studies at schools not limited to the aristocracy. At just three years old, in April 2010, he entered the kindergarten attached to Ochanomizu University. His mother believed it was important to create opportunities for Prince Hisahito to actively interact with children his own age.
© Getty ImagesThe future emperor of Japan
Who is the young man carrying the future of the world’s oldest dynasty? Born on September 6, 2006, Hisahito is the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko. His birth put an end to the debate over Japan’s Salic law, which bars women from inheriting the throne. Because of this rule, his cousin Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito, is excluded, making him the sole heir of his generation.
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© Getty ImagesHisahito’s coming of age marks the beginning of his participation in the official agenda of the imperial family, in ceremonies and rituals such as the New Year’s Celebration and the New Year’s General Audience. But it also reignites the debate over the future of succession in Japan. With only three men eligible to inherit the throne—his father, himself, and his 89-year-old great-uncle—the weight of continuity rests on his shoulders. Japan watched with emotion as the prince stepped into adulthood. And although the future of the Imperial House remains uncertain, Hisahito’s name is already written into the history of the Land of the Rising Sun.
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