Japan recently held its first coming-of-age ceremony for an imperial prince in nearly forty years. The event celebrated Prince Hisahito, who is the first male royal to reach adulthood since his father, Crown Prince Akishino, in 1985. Although Hisahito turned 18 last year, the ceremony was postponed so he could focus on his exams. The four-day celebration began with him receiving a crown on his birthday. In his speech, the prince expressed gratitude and promised to fulfill his responsibilities with a strong sense of duty as an adult member of the imperial household.
Hisahito is the youngest member of Japan’s imperial family, which consists of 17 adults but only four males. This makes his entry into adulthood symbolically important in a nation facing demographic challenges such as a shrinking population. The Japanese imperial succession system, however, does not allow a woman to become emperor, raising concerns about stability. Currently, Hisahito is second in line to the throne after his father. The government is actively discussing ways to ensure smooth succession without relying on female heirs. The prince’s coming of age is therefore not only a personal milestone but also a moment of political and cultural significance for Japan.
Vocabulary:
• ceremony (noun): a formal public or religious event.
• imperial (adj): related to an emperor or royal family.
• adult (noun/adj): a person who is fully grown and legally responsible.
• crown (noun): a special headpiece worn by kings, queens, or princes.
• duties (noun): responsibilities or tasks someone must do.
• shrink (verb): to become smaller in size or number.
• succession (noun): the order in which people take the throne or a position.
Source: South China Morning Post