THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
September 6, 2025 at 18:53 JST
Prince Hisahito rides in a horse-drawn carriage taking him to worship at the Three Palace Sanctuaries in the Imperial Palace. (Kazushige Kobayashi)
Elaborate coming-of-age events were held Sept. 6 at the Imperial Palace for second-in-line Prince Hisahito.
The ceremonies were due to be held last year but postponed because Hisahito was preparing to enter the University of Tsukuba. Sept. 6 was his 19th birthday.
The highlight was the placing of traditional headgear presented by his uncle, Emperor Naruhito, to mark Hisahito’s entry into adulthood.
Hisahito is the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko.
The ceremonies were last held 40 years ago for Hisahito’s father. Hisahito appeared in both traditional Japanese court attire as well as formal Western wear for the various events of the day.
After the morning event to place the headgear and bind it with string under his chin, Hisahito appeared at the Matsu-no-Ma state room at the Imperial Palace in formal Western attire for an audience with the emperor and Empress Masako.
Hisahito expressed his gratitude to the emperor for presenting him with the traditional headgear for the morning event and pledged to become more aware of the responsibilities awaiting him as an adult member of the imperial household.
In celebrating with Hisahito, the emperor said he urged his nephew to continue with his studies so he can fulfill his duties as an adult member of the imperial family.
Masako also congratulated Hisahito and told him to look after his health.
Naruhito pinned a chrysanthemum medal on Hisahito to mark his new status.
About 300 people, including tourists from overseas, gathered in front of the Imperial Palace and waved at Hisahito as a car took him home after his audience with the emperor.
(This article was written by Ayako Nakada and Yasuhiko Shima, a senior staff writer.)
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