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Prince Hisahito turns 20 as Japan’s government reinforces male-only succession rules

The university student is taking on more official duties as critics say the revised law leaves Japan with only one male heir in the next generation.

  • On Sunday, Prince Hisahito turned 20, becoming second in line to Japan's 1,500-year-old Chrysanthemum Throne and the youngest of 16 imperial family members.
  • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi backed unpopular revisions to the Imperial House Law reinforcing male-only succession; critics argue the 19th-century law is anachronistic and sexist.
  • Many Japanese favor 24-year-old Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito, as successor; however, she remains ineligible due to gender under current law.
  • Japan's Parliament enacted revised succession measures in July allowing adoption of distant male heirs; Experts say the changes place enormous pressure on Hisahito and his future wife to bear a male child.
  • Currently a biology sophomore at the University of Tsukuba, Hisahito has begun official duties including praying for atomic bombing victims in Hiroshima while prioritizing his studies.
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Japan's future emperor, Prince Hisahito turns 20

Prince Hisahito, who is destined to become Japan's monarch instead of Emperor Naruhito's daughter Princess Aiko, has turned 20.

·Osborne Park, Australia
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Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
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Prince Hisahito turns 20 as Japan's government reinforces male-only succession rules

Japan’s Prince Hisahito has turned 20 while facing growing attention as a future monarch. The prince's birthday Sunday came as Japan's government implements an unpopular revision to the Imperial House Law reinforcing male-only succession rules.

·New York, United States
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FNN.jpプライムオンライン broke the news on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
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