Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, attended his long-awaited coming-of-age ceremony, the first in 40 years for a male member of the imperial family.

On the morning of September 6, the prince received a headdress reserved for adults sent by the emperor to the Akishino residence in Tokyo.

His parents Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko and his sister Princess Kako saw Hisahito off as he headed to the Imperial Palace.

The prince wore a pale yellow garment for minors to the ritual that began at 10AM.

In the ritual, the headdress for minors was replaced with a crown for adults.

The snap of the scissors cutting the excess string echoed through the room.

Prince Hisahito then walked over to the Emperor and Empress dragging his six-meter-long robe behind him and expressed his gratitude.

S/ Prince Hisahito/ I sincerely thank you for gifting me this crown on the occasion of my coming-of-age ceremony on this day.

Afterwards, the prince changed into a traditional garment for adults and rode a horse-drawn carriage to report his coming of age to his ancestors and to the gods that are said to lie in the three Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.

From 2PM, Hisahito formally greeted the emperor and received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, the most prestigious award in Japan.

Many people gathered outside of the Imperial Palace to greet the prince when the ceremony ended.

Prince Hisahito later made a comment to the press.

S/ Prince Hisahito/ I am relieved that the coming-of-age ceremony ended without difficulty. I am deeply grateful to my family who have watched over me and to those who have taken care of me until this day. I would like to be aware of my position and fulfill my role as an adult member of the imperial family.

Prince Hisahito ended a day of ceremony rituals with a family dinner at the Imperial Hotel.

He arrived with his parents Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko and his sister Princess Kako.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako as well as Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko joined the dinner alongside other members of the imperial family.