Prince Hisahito of Japan Turns 18, Highlighting Imperial Succession Dilemma

Prince Hisahito of Japan turned 18, becoming the first male royal family member to reach adulthood in nearly four decades. His status as heir apparent underscores the challenges facing Japan’s imperial succession laws, which exclude women from ascending the throne. The government is considering reforms to stabilize the male-only succession system.

In a significant milestone for Japan's royal family, Prince Hisahito turned 18 on Friday, making him the first male royal family member to reach adulthood in almost four decades. This marks a crucial development for a family that has ruled for over a millennium but faces existential threats similar to the rest of the nation—a fast-aging, shrinking population.

As the nephew of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and the son of Crown Prince Akishino, Hisahito is expected to become emperor one day. His parents' generation was the last to reach adulthood, with Hisahito's father achieving the milestone in 1985. Hisahito is the youngest among the 17-member all-adult imperial family, which currently has only four men.

The prince's status as the last heir apparent poses a pressing issue for an imperial system that doesn't permit empresses. Although public sentiment favors Princess Aiko, his older cousin, to become the future empress, existing laws prohibit her from succeeding to the throne. The government is actively debating how to maintain a stable succession without relying on female heirs.

(With inputs from agencies.)