Prince Hisahito: Japan holds lavish celebrations for first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years
Lavish ritual highlights dilemma for Japan’s royal family
- Japan has hosted a grand coming-of-age ceremony for Prince Hisahito, the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years.
- The elaborate palace rituals formally recognised Hisahito, nephew of Emperor Naruhito, as an adult, but also highlighted the ageing demographic of the world's oldest monarchy.
- Hisahito is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, but the male-only succession policy means there is no one after him, creating a dilemma for the Imperial family.
- Japan's conservative government aims to maintain male-only royal succession, though it is exploring ways for female royals to retain their status if they marry commoners.
- The shortage of male successors reflects Japan's wider demographic crisis of a rapidly ageing and shrinking population, which is straining public services.