Imperial Prince Hisahito's Long-Awaited Rite of Passage, Marking 40 Years Since a Similar Event Occurred in the Imperial Family

Prince Hisahito's Coming-of-Age Ceremony: A Grand Tradition Continues

Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Fumihito and the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, will celebrate his official coming-of-age ceremony on September 6. This significant event, which marks the transition of the young prince from a minor to an adult member of the Imperial Family, will be filled with traditional ceremonies and meetings.

The Imperial Household Agency has confirmed that Prince Hisahito will visit the Imperial Palace's three sanctuaries, including the central Kashiko-dokoro shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. On the following days, he will embark on a series of visits. On September 8, he will journey to Ise Shrine and the tomb of Emperor Jinmu in Kashihara, Nara. The following day, he will visit the tomb of his great-grandfather Emperor Shōwa in western Tokyo.

In a traditional gesture, Prince Hisahito will wear the new kanmuri headpiece to signify his coming of age. A messenger from Emperor Naruhito will deliver this headpiece to Prince Hisahito at Crown Prince Fumihito's residence. Furthermore, Prince Hisahito will receive the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum from Emperor Naruhito.

The state carriage that Prince Hisahito will use for his ceremony is one of the four state carriages maintained by the Imperial Household Agency. This carriage, built in Japan in 1913, was previously used to welcome ambassadors to the nation. Prince Hisahito will travel to the Imperial Palace by horse-drawn carriage for his coming-of-age ceremony.

During his visit, Prince Hisahito will exchange greetings with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in the Matsu-no-ma, the main hall of the Imperial Palace. He will also have meetings with the Imperial Household Agency's Grand Steward Nishimura Yasuhiko and Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko.

This ceremony marks the first coming-of-age ceremony for an imperial prince since that of his father 40 years ago. The main photo for this article shows Prince Fumihito having his headwear changed into the adult enbi no ei (swallow's tail) kanmuri during his coming-of-age ceremony in 1985.

Prince Hisahito turned 18 last year, but the event was delayed to allow him to focus on passing his university entrance examination. On September 10, he will take part in a banquet with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, marking the conclusion of this grand tradition.

Imperial Prince Hisahito's Long-Awaited Rite of Passage, Marking 40 Years Since a Similar Event Occurred in the Imperial Family