The Prince Hisahito of Japan has become the undisputed protagonist of the gala banquet that Emperors Naruhito and Masako have offered at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and his wife, the first lady Louise 'Liza' Araneta Marcos, who are on a State visit to the Land of the Rising Sun. This event has allowed Hisahito, at 19 years old, to debut in this type of responsibilities, crucial for the formation of the one who is destined to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne in the future. Wearing a tuxedo, as required by the etiquette, the only male nephew of the sovereign has attended a State banquet for the first time, alongside the rest of the imperial family, attracting all the attention. Especially because the protocol has placed him at the table next to his cousin, Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Naruhito and Masako, who, despite being the descendant of the head of state, is excluded from the succession order by the strict Salic law that still reigns in Japan.
Hisahito is the son of Prince Akishino -the current Heir- and his wife, Princess Kiko. He is the only member of the imperial family under 50 years old who is in the line of succession to the throne, where today only his father (60 years old) and Prince Masahito, an uncle of the emperor at 90 years old, are included, who, logically, is not thinking about sitting on any throne.
Although Hisahito is the hope for the future of the dynasty - burdened, however, with the responsibility not only to reign someday but also to father as many children as possible as if he were a stallion - it is not lost on anyone that the danger of extinction of the imperial family still looms. For this reason, for years, there has been a debate in Parliament about a reform of the dynastic law that never reaches a quorum.
The Prince Hisahito is currently studying Biology at the University of Tsukuba, which leaves him with little time for official commitments. Although he is increasingly accompanying his parents to public events, given the need for him to assume representation duties of the Crown as soon as possible.
Shortly after reaching the age of majority - set at 18 years in Japan since the legal reform of 2022 that lowered it from 20 - in March of last year, Hisahito took a step forward with his first press conference. The young man did not hide that he felt "nervous in certain situations" but, regarding his aspirations as an adult member of the reigning dynasty, he stated that he was "aware of his responsibilities" and that he would like to "approach each of the tasks entrusted to me with care and fulfill my role as a member of the imperial family." With the anxiety about the future of the dynasty, it is logical that he was even asked about a future marriage, although the young man skillfully evaded it: "Regarding marriage, I have not yet deeply considered the ideal moment or the ideal partner," Hisahito told the journalists.
Months later, in September, he starred in one of the most important rituals as a future emperor, during the centenary ceremony of Kakan no Gi, which marks the transition to adulthood of the male imperial princes and symbolizes their new position at the Court. He was then adorned with a traditional headdress - his first crown, worth around 16,000 euros - and dressed in a traditional outfit that included a six-meter train.
Hisahito's increasing prominence follows the customs of almost all monarchies. State visits are events where royal families go all out, and the presence of all adult members is usually considered almost obligatory. In recent years, we have seen other young princes debut at gala banquets, such as Amalia of the Netherlands, who, in 2024, made her debut during the State visit of King Felipe and Queen Letizia, with whom the Orange family maintains a good relationship. Amalia, however, had already debuted with tiaras some time ago, at the festivities in Copenhagen for the 18th birthday of Prince Christian of Denmark, son of King Frederik X and Queen Mary.
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, the Heiress, has also been seen in these events, such as the banquet that brought together numerous leaders last October during the proclamation of the new Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Both Isabel and the aforementioned Amalia of Orange attended the official dinner, causing a sensation with their long dresses and the historic tiaras they chose for such a momentous occasion.
In April of last year, Princess Ingrid of Norway also made her debut at her first State banquet, shortly after reaching the age of majority. She joined the rest of the royal family to honor the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, who made a State visit to the Scandinavian country, accompanied by her husband, Björn Skúlason. The young princess opted for the Boucheron tiara, a piece she received as a gift for her 18th birthday, a jewel that had belonged to Princess Ragnhild, sister of the current King Harald.
The Spanish Monarchy tends to be the exception in many things. And here, Princess Leonor, who will turn 21 in October, has yet to participate in any State visit events, let alone wear a Crown tiara. Perhaps the imminent completion of her military training will allow her to gain prominence in the spheres befitting the future Queen of Spain.