Japan's Prince Hisahito Commits to Balancing Royal Duties and Studies in First Public Remarks

The 18-year-old second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne emphasizes his dedication to his symbolic role while pursuing a biology degree.

Prince Hisahito, the only male royal of his generation, held his first press conference, marking a significant step in his public life as he reaches adulthood.
He expressed his commitment to fulfilling royal duties while studying biology at Tsukuba University, with a focus on dragonflies and urban insect conservation.
The prince emphasized the importance of the emperor's role as a symbolic figure who stays connected to the people of Japan.
Japan's Imperial succession laws, which limit the throne to male heirs, remain a topic of debate, with public support growing for potential reforms to include female succession.
Hisahito also shared personal interests, including growing vegetables and rice, and voiced concerns about climate change's impact on people's lives.