Photo/Illutration Prince Hisahito and his parents, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, pose for a photo ahead of his graduation ceremony at Ochanomizu University Junior High School in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward on March 17. (Pool)

Prince Hisahito, second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, graduated from junior high school on March 17, saying he had found the past three years “fulfilling.” 

Hisahito, 15, arrived in the morning at Ochanomizu University Junior High School in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward with his parents, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, to attend the graduation ceremony.

When asked about his school life by a reporter, Hisahito said, “I think I had fulfilling three years because I was able to experience many things.”

According to the Imperial Household Agency, the COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on his school life, but Hisahito spent a fruitful time through his studies and interactions with friends.

The novel coronavirus began spreading in Japan in the latter half of the third term of his first year at school, forcing him, like others, to take classes online for a while.

During the summer recess in his second year, Hisahito again went online to speak with people in the Ogasawara island chain, far south of Tokyo, which he visited when he attended elementary school.

During integrated learning classes over the past three years, Hisahito studied natural disasters and disaster preparedness. He also asked his father about rice and the history of growing the crop as part of his research into the theme.

In a collection of student essays commemorating graduation, Hisahito wrote a piece titled, “Hiraku no Omoide” (Memories of Hiraku). In the title, “Hiraku” was written in three different kanji characters, each referring to resolutions he made every academic year: open new doors, enlighten himself or carve out his own path.

“During my junior high school life, the school temporarily closed, and events were canceled or held with some changes to the initial plans,” he wrote in the essay. “It was a valuable experience to discuss what we can do and implement those ideas.”

Hisahito will start studying at the University of Tsukuba’s Senior High School in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward from April, making him the first imperial family member in postwar Japan to enroll in a senior high school other than Gakushuin University’s senior high school.

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