Japan’s Prince Hisahito, who turned 18 and became an adult member of the imperial family in September 2024, spoke in a news conference for the first time.

Reporter / From us reporters, congratulations on your coming of age. We’ve been waiting for this day for six months since your birthday. Thank you for your time. Are you nervous?

Prince Hisahito / I am nervous.

Reporter / It is the first time in 39 years a male imperial family celebrates coming of age. Many people are watching this news conference. I am also nervous asking you questions. Again, thank you for this opportunity today.

Reporter / Please tell us how you feel now that you have reached the age of adulthood, how you would like to engage in your official duties as an adult member of the Imperial Family, and what your future goals are. As second-in-line to the Chrysanthemum throne, what do you think should be the role of the emperor and the Imperial Family? Please also tell us what you have learned from Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and your parents on this.

Prince Hisahito / Thank you. Before answering your question, I would like to say that I am concerned about the damage due to bushfires that are currently happening in Iwate and other prefectures. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to those who have been affected by these fires, and I hope that the fires will be extinguished as soon as possible.

Prince Hisahito / Now, let me answer the questions. I turned 18 and reached adulthood on September 6 of last year. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have watched me grow and supported me until today. It’s been almost six months since I turned 18, but to be honest, I have not had many opportunities to be conscious of my adulthood in my high school life. I believe that I will gradually realize this as I experience various things. 

As for my public duties, although I will have to prioritize my studies while I am a student, I will start to engage in the public duties little by little while I am still in college. I will work carefully on each duty with the advice from people around me, and I would like to have an awareness that I am an adult member of the Imperial Family while I carry out duties.  

I have had the opportunity to watch Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, as well as the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, carrying out their public duties with deep sincerity. Through conversations with them, I have also learned many important things. Furthermore,I have heard about their experiences attending events and meeting people at various locations. I have learned about the culture and climate of different places from my parents and sisters. Sometimes, by accompanying my parents, I was able to observe these activities firsthand and learn from them. 

Regarding the role of the Emperor as a symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, I believe, as Emperor Emeritus Akihito has contemplated and as Emperor Naruhito mentioned in a recent press conference, that the Emperor is someone who always keeps the people in mind and stands by them. As for the ideal form of the Imperial Family, I think it is essential to continue paying attention to people’s lives and social conditions under the guidance of His Majesty the Emperor. I also believe that valuing encounters with people, wishing for people's happiness, and staying close to their feelings are important.

Reporter / Please allow me to ask you about yourself. Please tell us about your personality, strengths, and weaknesses, along with episodes you could share with us. What are your daily interests, hobbies, and domestic or international issues that concern you? How do you perceive and think about your position as a member of the Imperial Family?

Prince Hisahito / Thank you. First, regarding my personality, I find it difficult to assess my own character, but I believe I tend to feel nervous in various situations. Even now, as I speak with all of you, I am feeling somewhat nervous. As for my strengths and weaknesses, I believe my strength is that I can thoroughly pursue things that interest me. In other words, I can immerse myself in what captivates me. For example, during summer holidays, I would spend entire afternoons observing dragonflies in forests and around ponds, only to realize that the sun had set.

However, depending on how one looks at it, this could also be considered a weakness—sometimes, I may become too focused on something. I would like to develop the ability to respond flexibly to different situations. 

Regarding my interests, I have been fascinated by insects since childhood. Recently, I have also developed an interest in plants. Observing both insects and plants, I have noticed strong connections between them in terms of food sources, habitats, and pollination. 

As for my hobbies, I have been engaged in vegetable farming and rice cultivation for some time. The tomatoes are sometimes eaten by insects and the rice by sparrows, but I feel very happy when I can harvest these crops and enjoy them with my family.

Regarding domestic and international affairs, I believe climate change is one of the major challenges facing people worldwide. Abnormal weather patterns in recent years are believed to be linked to this, leading to many natural disasters both in Japan and abroad. I am deeply concerned about the impact of extreme rainfall, heatwaves, wildfires, and heavy snow on people’s lives.

In Japan, this year marks 30 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Major earthquakes such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Kumamoto Earthquake have also caused significant damage. On January 1 last year, an earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, and while recovery efforts were underway, severe rainfall in September caused further extensive damage. I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the suffering of those affected.

Through news reports and discussions with my family, I have learned about these disasters. I have also had the opportunity to hear from members of the Boy Scouts about the situation in the Noto Peninsula, their support activities, and disaster prevention education. From this, I have come to realize the severity of natural disasters and the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation. I believe it is essential for society as a whole to focus on these issues, think carefully about them, and support one another. I hope to continue deepening my understanding and interest in various domestic and international events.

Lastly, regarding my perception of my role as a member of the Imperial Family, I believe it is important to approach each assigned duty with sincerity and care. I will strive to be of service in any way I can.

Reporter / Thank you. We would like to ask about your future. Your parents have mentioned that they have encouraged you to study abroad in the future. What are your thoughts on studying abroad? Also, please share your thoughts on marriage, including the ideal timing and the qualities you seek in a partner.

Prince Hisahito / Regarding studying abroad, I believe that by going abroad, I can experience different experiences, and meet people and culture from various countries and regions. I also believe I can gain new perspectives in academics. My father and sister have studied abroad in the past, and my mother has also spent time living overseas. I will consider this carefully while taking my family’s opinions into account.

As for marriage, I have not yet given much thought to the ideal timing or what I seek in a partner.

Prince Hisahito will graduate Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba. He will enter the University of Tsukuba in April where he will study biology.

The prince’s coming-of-age ceremony will be held on September 6 of this year when he turns 19.