Prince Hisahito of Japan, aged 19, has attended his first imperial banquet, marking a significant milestone four years after his older sister Princess Mako renounced her royal status. The college student participated in a state dinner at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 27, welcoming Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
The prince, second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, appeared at ease as he toasted the guests during the event. A second-year student at the University of Tsukuba's College of Biological Sciences, he attended the banquet after completing his classes, as local outlet Jiji Press reported that his attendance was possible only because it did not interfere with his coursework. His older sisters, former Princess Mako and Princess Kako, had also attended similar events during their university years.
Prince Hisahito is the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, and a nephew of Emperor Naruhito. As the first male Japanese royal to reach adulthood in 40 years, he has gradually taken on royal duties since his coming-of-age ceremony. Japan's 1947 Imperial Household Law restricts succession to males through the male line.
His sister, former Princess Mako, married commoner Kei Komuro on 26 October 2021, after a contentious period. The couple's engagement was delayed due to a money dispute involving Kei's mother, and Crown Prince Akishino withheld approval for three years. Mako subsequently left the imperial family and moved to New York City. She gave birth to a child in May 2025, with the imperial household expressing delight and wishing happiness for the family.
