With its male-only succession policy in place, which is being questioned by the nation, Japan is once again dealing with the issue of having no successors after Prince Hisahito.
Previously, the country had discussed the policy, with the government panel in 2005 even suggesting that the oldest child, regardless of sex, should inherit the throne, and Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito, was considered to be the successor to the throne.
However, Hisahito’s birth the next year put a halt to the debate.
Conservatives, meanwhile, are currently advocating for the royal family to reunite with distant male relatives to continue the male-only succession policy.
According to historians, the monarchy has existed for 1,500 years.
Japan has had eight female emperors over its history.
The pre-war Constitution made succession legally restricted to men in 1889, and the Imperial House Law of 1947 further solidified male-only succession by attempting to uphold conservative prewar family norms.
Japan’s possible last emperor
Prince Hisahito is the second in line for the Chrysanthemum Throne, after Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Akishino, who was the last male to reach adulthood in the family in 1985.
Hisahito is the youngest of the 16-member Imperial Family, born on September 6, 2006.
He is the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko.
The youngest heir to the throne is a biology major and a freshman at Tsukuba University.
His interests include studying dragonflies and other insects.
In a news conference, the prince stated that he wants to concentrate on his research on insects and dragonflies, including strategies for preserving the bug population.
He has also co-authored an article about an insect survey conducted on the grounds of his Tokyo estate, Akasaka.
He has two older sisters: the popular Princess Kako, and the former Princess Mako, who abandoned her royal status following her marriage to a non-royal.
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Prince Hisahito’s coming of age ceremony
In a royal ceremony which took place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Prince Hisahito was formally introduced as an adult, the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years.
The ceremony comes a year after turning 18 as the prince wished to focus on his college entrance examinations.
Wearing a beige robe, which symbolises youth, he received a black crown which symbolises his step into adulthood.
The prince bowed respectfully to Emperor Naruhito and thanked his parents.
“Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming-of-age ceremony,” Hisahito stated.
“I will fulfil my duties, being aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family.”
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Adam Peaker 
Hyacinth Estrada 
Ian Trinidad