Prince Hisahito of Akishino has begun his junior high education. The 12-year-old Prince attended the entrance ceremony on Monday alongside his parents, Fumihito, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko.
The only grandson of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko is attending a junior high school affiliated with Ochanomizu University in Tokyo.
During the ceremony, His Imperial Highness, dressed in his navy school uniform, made a pledge on behalf of around 110 new students saying, “We’d like to develop our individual abilities and broaden our possibilities and perspectives.”
Before the ceremony, the Prince told reporters, “From now on, I’d like to lead a fulfilling student life.”
It was on 15 March that Prince Hisahito graduated from Ochanomizu University Elementary School.
The Prince and his parents posed for the press outside his school on the day of his graduation with his diploma. His Imperial Highness was responsible for taking care of the school’s flower beds and rabbits in his final year. In March, he also took part in an overnight school trip to the Nagano Prefecture where activities included pottery and curling.
When Hisahito completes his middle school education, he will not continue to an Ochanomizu affiliated high school, as the high school only accepts female students.
The Prince will soon be second in line to the Japanese throne once his grandfather abdicates in favour of his uncle, Crown Prince Naruhito, on 30 April. Naruhito will ascend the throne the following day with his younger brother, Prince Akishino becoming heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Japan does not allow for women to rule in their own right meaning the Japanese Imperial Family is increasingly shrinking. By May, there will only be three people in the line of succession: Prince Akishino, Prince Hisahito, and 83-year-old Masahito, Prince Hitachi – the younger brother of Emperor Akihito.
