Imperial Prince Hisahito of the Akishino family formally became an adult on March 3, 2025, as he conducted his first press conference following his coming-of-age ceremony. At the young age of 18, Hisahito reflected on his transition and responsibilities, stating, "I was very nervous," as reporters gathered to hear his thoughts and aspirations for the future.
Hisahito, who turned 18 on September 6, 2024, marked this important life milestone during the press conference held at Akasaka East Mansion, Tokyo. His presence as the second heir to the imperial throne carries significant responsibilities as he prepares for adulthood and university life.
During the press conference, Hisahito shared, "I want to handle my responsibilities as part of the royal family carefully and thoroughly." This sentiment indicated his awareness of the importance of tradition and modern duties within the royal framework. He talked about his previous educational experiences at Ochanomizu University and Tsukuba University High School before transitioning to higher education.
When discussing his personal interests, Hisahito expressed his passion for both insects and plants, stating, "My interest has long been insects, but recently I've also become interested in plants." He elaborated on his research efforts and studies within the biological sciences, showing the curiosity and dedication reminiscent of his predecessors. His activities included exploring the ecology of dragonflies and their habitats—a nod to his familial legacy, as interest in nature has been prominent within the imperial family.
Concern for recent environmental issues was also apparent during the conference, as he remarked on the wildfires spreading through Iwate Prefecture, saying, "I hope the wildfires will be resolved as quickly as possible." Hisahito’s empathy reflects the values ingrained during his formative years and his commitment to addressing pressing social and environmental issues.
When questioned about historical events, Hisahito stated, "It's important to face the thoughts and situations of those who lived through the war and pass them on to future generations." His reflections demonstrated maturity and depth as he acknowledged the significance of history and the role it plays in shaping Japan’s future.
The event was attended by numerous journalists, who noted Hisahito's poise even when offering sincere yet candid responses. One reporter observed, "Hisahito occasionally stumbled over his words, but he remained composed. He spoke without notes, making eye contact with those present, showcasing his preparedness for this important occasion." Hisahito’s confidence throughout the conference has garnered him praise from various media outlets, with many commenting on how impressive it was for him to speak so articulately and thoughtfully.
Hisahito's adult life officially begins as he embarks on his studies within the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at Tsukuba University this coming April. Engaging actively with both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities stands as one of Hisahito's ambitions stated during the press conference. His upcoming university life promises to be filled with learning opportunities as he strives to integrate royal duties with personal growth.
Notably, Hisahito isn’t just focused on his academic engagements; he brought warmth to the conversation by mentioning his family during the press conference. His appreciation for his father, Prince Akishino, was evident when he humorously recounted stories about how structured his father is, especially when it came to cooking scrambled eggs—a light-hearted moment confirming the familial bonds shared within the royal household.
Looking forward, Hisahito’s demeanor during the press conference also showed moments of reflection on personal growth. He noted, "I have moments when my fuse can be short, similar to my father," indicating both maturity and relatability as he continues to navigate his royal responsibilities and personal identity as a young man.
With recent changes allowing for younger royal family members to engage more directly with the public, Hisahito stands as the focal point of hopes and expectations for Japan’s imperial family. The upcoming coming-of-age ceremony on September 6 will officially mark his adulthood, paving the way for greater involvement within royal events and ceremonies.
Overall, Imperial Prince Hisahito's transition to adulthood and his earnestness toward fulfilling his royal obligations provide hope for the future of the imperial family. His thoughtful, earnest responses and expressed dedication highlight his potential as he forges his identity and role within Japan’s modern monarchy.