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Prince Hisahito Tours Osaka–Kansai Expo in First Regional Engagement Since Coming of Age

The visit signals a measured expansion of his public role with his studies remaining the priority.

Overview

  • On Sept. 24–25, the prince made a one-night trip to Osaka by commercial flight and toured the Expo site, including the signature Grand Roof Ring.
  • After learning the venue spans about 155 hectares, he remarked, “It’s larger than the Imperial Palace,” according to site staff.
  • He engaged with exhibits by asking about timber use and the nuki joinery method and took part in hands-on displays such as touching a dinosaur coprolite and comparing sands.
  • In the afternoon, Crown Prince Akishino joined him to visit the Netherlands and Thailand pavilions and a Bhutan exhibit, where Hisahito recalled their 2019 trip.
  • The outing follows his Sept. 23 debut at court Shinto rites at the Imperial Palace after completing coming-of-age ceremonies earlier this month, marking the start of expanded duties alongside continuing studies.