Teenage Prince Hisahito’s elaborate ceremony overshadowed by questions over royal family’s male-only succession rules
Japan has heralded the coming of age of Prince Hisahito with an elaborate ceremony at the Imperial Palace, where a succession crisis is brewing.
The nephew of Emperor Naruhito, Hisahito received a black silk and lacquer crown at Saturday’s ceremony in Tokyo, which marks the beginning of his royal adult life.
“Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming-of-age ceremony,” Hisahito said. “I will fulfil my duties, being aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family.”
Although the emperor has a daughter, Princess Aiko, the 23-year-old has been sidelined by the royal family’s male-only succession rules.
