Prince Hisahito turned 20 years old on September 6.

On the occasion of his birthday, he visited the Imperial Palace in the late morning to greet Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, his uncle and aunt.

The prince is a sophomore at the University of Tsukuba studying biology and has placed priority on academic work while also taking part in numerous official activities over the past year.

In August, he traveled to Hiroshima alone for the first time and laid flowers at the memorial cenotaph for atomic bomb victims.

He also delivered his first formal remarks at the Nippon Scout Jamboree.

The prince has also broadened the scope of his activities as an adult member of the imperial family, including attending a state banquet at the Imperial Palace.

Hisahito is the son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko and is second in line to Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne after his father.