Imperial Debut: Prince Hisahito Attends Diplomatic Banquet
Prince Hisahito, at 19 years old, recently marked a significant milestone by attending his first imperial banquet. This event comes four years after his elder sister, Princess Mako, stepped away from royal duties. The college student played a prominent role during a formal diplomatic dinner held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, which was organized to welcome President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, to Japan.
Prince Hisahito, who holds the second position in the line of succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne, appeared composed as he offered a toast to the visiting dignitaries. Reports indicate that the prince, currently a second-year student at the University of Tsukuba’s College of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, was able to attend the special occasion after completing his academic commitments for the day. An observation from local news outlets suggested that his attendance was contingent on it not conflicting with his coursework.
This participation mirrors that of his older sisters, the former Princess Mako, now 34, and Princess Kako, 31, who also attended similar diplomatic functions during their university years. Philippine President Marcos is in Japan as a state guest and is scheduled to deliver an address at the Diet and engage in a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi before his departure on May 29.
Understanding Prince Hisahito’s Royal Position
Prince Hisahito is the youngest child and sole son of Crown Prince Akishino, the immediate heir to the throne, and Crown Princess Kiko. As the nephew of the reigning Emperor Naruhito, he is a key figure in the future of the imperial line. Japan’s Imperial Household Law, enacted in 1947, stipulates that only male descendants through the male line are eligible to ascend the throne. Prince Hisahito, being the first male royal to reach adulthood in four decades, has begun to assume royal responsibilities and has gradually increased his public profile since his coming-of-age ceremony.
Princess Mako’s Departure from Royal Life
The Japanese royal family garnered international attention when Prince Hisahito’s elder sister, the former Princess Mako, relinquished her royal titles to marry a commoner. Mako married Kei Komuro on October 26, 2021, after meeting him during their studies at the International Christian University. Their union generated considerable discussion within and outside the Japanese imperial sphere.
Concerns arose regarding a financial dispute involving Kei Komuro’s mother and her former fiancé, which surfaced shortly after the couple announced their engagement. This public scrutiny led Crown Prince Akishino to delay his approval of the marriage for three years, ultimately granting permission in November 2020. Following their wedding, Mako departed from the Imperial House, and the couple established a new life together in New York City.
In a statement released at the time, Mako expressed her desire for a peaceful existence in her new environment, stating, “What I would like is to just lead a peaceful life in my new environment. We are starting a new life together. There will be obstacles in different forms going forward, but as a couple we will overcome these obstacles with our combined strength… I hope that I can build a warm family in an environment where I can spend my time calmly.” The couple welcomed a child in May 2025, an event that was met with delight by the Japanese royals, who extended their well wishes for the Komuro family’s happiness.
