On Friday, Prince Hisahito turned eighteen, making history as the first male member of Japan’s royal family to attain adulthood in nearly forty years. This development represents a significant turning point for the imperial family and a promise for the Japanese royal family as we advance. Let’s examine why Prince Hisahito’s eighteenth birthday is so significant and what it signifies for Japan.
Table of Contents
An Important Turning Point for the Imperial Family
Anyone’s eighteenth birthday is a significant event, but Prince Hisahito’s is even more so. In over forty years, he is the first male member of the Japanese royal family to reach adulthood. His father, Crown Prince Akishino, was the last man to accomplish this in 1985.
At almost 1,000 years old, the royal family of Japan is among the oldest in the world. However, much like the rest of Japan, it has major challenges. Little infants are being born in Japan, and the country’s population is becoming older. The question of who will carry on the royal bloodline and the future of the royal family are raised by this.
The Discussion About Female Emperors
Emperors of Japan are limited to men, according to the Imperial House Law, which was passed in 1947 following World War II. Marrying someone outside the royal family also results in royal ladies losing their status. As a result, there are now fewer royal heirs.
Empress Masako and Emperor Naruhito’s only child, Princess Aiko, is a prime illustration. She has a lot of admirers in Japan and is seen as a potential great empress. Her royal ancestry does not, however, grant her the right to become emperor because she is a woman under existing legislation.
A Difficult Successor Chain
The Japanese royal family’s succession can be complicated to understand. The present ruler is the ruler Naruhito, who is succeeded in succession by Crown Prince Akishino, his younger brother. Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Akishino, is next in line.
The idea of allowing female emperors came up a few years ago, but it failed soon after the birth of Prince Hisahito in 2006. The argument concerning female emperors has been ongoing ever since, but the legislation has remained unchanged.
Also read Kangana Ranaut Stands Strong: Defends Calling Ranbir Kapoor a ‘Serial Skirt Chaser’.
The interests and pastimes of Prince Hisahito
Prince Hisahito enjoys pastimes outside of royal life, just like the majority of 18-year-olds. Lately, he expressed his happiness at being able to enjoy his final days in high school. Like dragonflies, he also has a fondness for insects.
At his family’s Tokyo residence, Prince Hisahito even contributed to the writing of a paper on dragonflies. For many young people in Japan, his love of nature makes him a relatable character.
Issues the Royal Family Is Faced With
The declining number of male heirs is one of the main problems the Japanese royal family is experiencing. This leaves the royal family with only four male members, Prince Hisahito among them. This sparked debates over whether the legislation ought to be altered to permit married women to continue to be royalty or perhaps to ascend to the position of emperor.
An official government group suggested in January 2022 that married women royals should be permitted to maintain their position. Additionally, they recommended that, in order to preserve the male bloodline, male descendants from previous royal dynasties be adopted. But as of yet, nothing has been done with these concepts.
Men-Only Succession: The Debate
The idea that only men should be able to become emperors is something that a lot of people in Japan oppose. According to their argument, there may run out of successors if only male heirs are used. This is no longer the case; concubines used to produce a higher percentage of male heirs.
The question of allowing women to become emperors is currently up for debate. It may need adjustments to keep the royal family afloat given the declining number of heirs and the elderly populace.
What Is Prince Hisahito’s Future Plan?
Prince Hisahito will be responsible for more tasks within the royal household now that he is eighteen. He will most likely attend college after high school; however, we are still unsure of his precise plans. In addition, he’s getting ready for the great responsibility that comes with maybe becoming emperor one day.
For the time being, Prince Hisahito is pursuing his passion in nature and enjoying his remaining time as a student. The Japanese royal family is starting a new chapter as he grows up.
In summary
The turning of 18 for Prince Hisahito is not only a big deal for him personally but also for the Japanese royal family. Hisahito, the first man to attain adulthood in almost forty years is the monarchy’s future. But the royal family has a lot of work ahead of it, with fewer male heirs and continuous discussions about female succession.
The destiny of Japan’s imperial dynasty will be decided in the coming years, and the decision Japan makes about succession will have a long-term effect on its royal customs.
FAQ
Who is Prince Hisahito?
The only male successor in Japan’s royal line is Prince Hisahito, the 18-year-old nephew of Emperor Naruhito. It was not too long ago that he became the first adult male king in almost forty years.
Why is Hisahito in controversy?
Because of Japan’s rules governing royal succession, which only permit male heirs to succeed to the throne, Prince Hisahito is the subject of debate due to worries about the declining number of possible heirs. Since Hisahito is currently the only male heir and the royal line is facing difficulties due to an elderly population and dwindling fertility rates, there is continuing discussion regarding whether the laws should be altered to allow female emperors.