Prince Hisahito, 19, made his first solo official appearance at the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Hiroshima, addressing about 8,000 attendees and offering condolences for the July 28 Kumamoto earthquake. He emphasized cooperation, disaster preparedness and learning. The same day he paid respects at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and visited the Honkawa Elementary School Peace Museum. Parliamentary revisions to the Imperial House Law take effect on October 24, but the prince remains the leading male heir under current succession rules.
Prince Hisahito, 19, Delivers First Solo Official Address at Japan’s Nippon Scout Jamboree
Japan's Prince Hisahito Travels to HiroshimaJIJI PRESS - Getty Images
Prince Hisahito of Japan, aged 19, performed official duties alone for the first time when he delivered his inaugural public address at the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Hiroshima Prefecture. The quadrennial national scouting event drew roughly 8,000 scouts and guests from Japan and abroad.
Opening his remarks with condolences for those affected by the July 28 Kumamoto earthquake, the prince emphasized cooperation, resilience and learning. He told attendees:
"I believe this will be an opportunity to work together, take on challenges, deepen our understanding of various issues including disaster prevention, and move forward strongly towards a better future. I myself hope to learn many things by participating in your activities."
On the same day, Prince Hisahito laid flowers at the cenotaph for atomic-bomb victims in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. He also visited the Honkawa Elementary School Peace Museum, where part of a building damaged in the 1945 bombing has been preserved. The visits came the day after the anniversary that marks the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
The prince at the traditional coming-of-age ceremony in September 2025.Anadolu - Getty Images
Prince Hisahito is the son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko and the nephew of Emperor Naruhito. He is currently second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, after his father, making him the most likely future emperor under Japan's current male-only succession rules, which prevent Princess Aiko—the emperor's only child—from ascending.
In July, Japan's parliament approved revisions to the Imperial House Law intended to ease a succession challenge. The revised law, which takes effect on October 24, allows male descendants from former imperial family branches to be adopted into the imperial household, potentially expanding the pool of heirs. Even so, Prince Hisahito remains the most direct male heir currently within the imperial family.
The prince is expected to take part in the traditional coming-of-age ceremony in September 2025. His public appearance at the Jamboree highlights the monarchy's continued public role and the younger generation's participation in civic life.
Help us improve.
