Photo/Illutration Prince Hisahito observes plants at the garden of his residence in Tokyo’s Minato Ward on July 15. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)

Prince Hisahito, second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, has been admitted to the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Imperial Household Agency announced on Dec. 11.

Hisahito, 18, the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, will study biology at the university’s school of life and environmental sciences starting in April.

The agency said he will commute from the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, where he resides.

According to the agency, Hisahito was inspired to apply after visiting the university in June last year during an event held by his current school, the University of Tsukuba’s Senior High School in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward.

He was drawn to the university’s insect research lab and the rich natural environment surrounding the camps, the agency said.

Hisahito applied to the university through its recommendation exam system.

After being recommended to the institution by his high school, he took a written essay exam and was interviewed by university officials on Nov. 28 and 29.

The agency said Hisahito and his parents appeared relieved when they heard the admission results on Dec. 11.

Kyosuke Nagata, president of the University of Tsukuba, told The Asahi Shimbun, “We hope he will learn and grow together with other students.”

“We will treat him as an ordinary student as much as possible, refraining from special treatment,” he added.

(This article was written by Yuko Kawasaki and Fumio Masutani.)

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