By AYAKO NAKADA/ Staff Writer
September 5, 2025 at 15:08 JST
The Imperial Household Agency released an update on Prince Hisahito’s recent activities and university life on Sept. 5, the day before his 19th birthday.
In April, Hisahito began his studies in the school of life and environmental sciences at the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture.
He currently commutes to campus from both the imperial residence in Tokyo and a separate residence in Tsukuba.
Hisahito is the son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, and the nephew of Emperor Naruhito. The young prince is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
According to the agency, he has adapted well to university life, making new friends and actively participating in academics and extracurricular activities.
His coursework covers foundational subjects, including English, biology and lab work with field research components.
Hisahito participated in the university’s sports day in the early summer, joining fellow students and faculty for a game of dodgeball.
He also participated in the university’s traditional dormitory festival where he helped sell cakes at a student-run booth and interacted with visitors.
While focusing on his studies, the prince has continued to attend official engagements when his schedule permits.
One such instance was visiting a photo exhibition in Tokyo with his parents and sister Princess Kako during the summer. The exhibit was dedicated to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II.
In late July, Hisahito also took part in welcoming a group of children from Okinawa Prefecture who were visiting Tokyo as student journalists in a job experience program.
Marking one year since reaching legal adulthood, the young prince is scheduled to participate in a formal coming-of-age ceremony on Sept. 6 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
With his university on summer break, the prince has been preparing for the celebration.
He studied footage of his father's coming-of-age event from 40 years ago, spoke with him about the experience, received guidance on traditional attire and attended rehearsals.
Following the ceremony, Hisahito is expected to attend select imperial events and court rituals at the palace as long as they do not interfere with his academic studies.
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Prince Hisahito is a freshman majoring in biology at the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)
