Prince Hisahito of Japan celebrated his 20th birthday on Sunday, a milestone that has intensified attention on his role as a future monarch. This comes as the Japanese government recently enacted a revised Imperial House Law, reinforcing the centuries-old male-only succession rules for the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, is currently second in line to the throne. He is the youngest of the 16 members of Japan's imperial family, which is experiencing a demographic shift with an aging and shrinking population.
A sophomore at the University of Tsukuba, where he is studying biology, Prince Hisahito has begun to take on more official duties. In May, he attended a state banquet for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He also participated in ceremonies in Hiroshima commemorating atomic bombing victims and attended a youth camp in August.
Hisahito is often compared to his cousin, Princess Aiko, the Emperor's daughter. Princess Aiko, 24, is widely popular among the Japanese public, who express a preference for her to succeed Emperor Naruhito, despite being ineligible under current law due to her gender.
The recently revised Imperial House Law, enacted in July, modifies rules established in the 19th century. It permits the adoption of male descendants from distant former imperial families. While the law allows female royals to retain their status and continue official duties after marrying commoners, their spouses and children will not be granted royal status.
Critics have described the revisions as anachronistic and sexist. Protests have occurred, with some viewing the changes, supported by conservative figures like Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as an effort to sideline Princess Aiko and uphold a patriarchal system. Experts suggest these developments place significant pressure on Prince Hisahito and his future wife to produce a male heir, impacting the long-term future of the imperial family.
In a press conference last year, Prince Hisahito stated his primary focus was on his studies and expressed a desire to study abroad to broaden his perspectives and engage with diverse cultures. When asked about marriage plans, he indicated he had not yet considered an ideal time or partner.