Japan's second in line to emperor's throne comes of age amid succession debate

"Japan has heralded the coming of age of Prince Hisahito with an elaborate ceremony at the Imperial Palace, where a succession crisis is brewing. The nephew of Emperor Naruhito, Hisahito received a black silk and lacquer crown at Saturday's ceremony in Tokyo, which marks the beginning of his royal adult life. Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming-of-age ceremony, Hisahito said. I will fulfil my duties, being aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family."

"Although the emperor has a daughter, Princess Aiko, the 23-year-old has been sidelined by the royal family's male-only succession rules. As a young member of the imperial family, I am determined to fulfil my role, Hisahito said in March. Second in line to become emperor after his father, the 19-year-old appeared at the Tokyo palace to pay his respects to gods and ancestors."

"Japan has debated the royal succession for decades, with a key government panel in 2005 recommending that it pass to the oldest child regardless of their sex. That appeared to pave the way for the emperor's daughter to rise to the Chrysanthemum Throne, but Hisahito's birth the following year silenced the debate. Traditionalists have asserted that the unbroken imperial line of male succession is the foundation of Japan, and major changes would divide the nation."

Prince Hisahito marked his coming of age with an elaborate ceremony at the Imperial Palace and received a black silk and lacquer crown. He pledged to fulfil his duties and to be aware of his responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family. As second in line after his father, he paid respects to gods and ancestors during the Tokyo event held on his 19th birthday. The imperial succession remains male-only by law, leaving Princess Aiko sidelined despite public support for a female emperor. A 2005 government panel recommended absolute primogeniture, but Hisahito's birth in 2006 temporarily ended those reform prospects. Traditionalists insist male succession sustains the imperial line.

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