Prince Hisahito of Japan, 19, steps into the spotlight at banquet – 4 years after sister shunned royal life

Prince Hisahito of Japan, 19, attended his first imperial banquet this week, marking a big milestone four years after his older sister Princess Mako relinquished her royal duties.

The college student took centre stage during a lavish diplomatic dinner at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, which served to welcome President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, to Japan.

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Prince Hisahito, who is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, looked perfectly at ease as he toasted the visitors during the banquet. 

A second-year student at the University of Tsukuba's College of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, hardworking Prince Hisahito reportedly attended the special event after completing his classes for the day.

Local outlet Jiji Press reported that Prince Hisahito was only able to attend the banquet as it did not interfere with his coursework.

The paper also pointed out that his older sisters, the former Princess Mako, 34, and Princess Kako, 31, previously attended similar diplomatic events during their time at university.

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Philippine President Marcos visited Japan as a state guest. He will deliver a speech at the Diet and hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi before departing Japan on May 29. 

Who is Prince Hisahito of Japan?

The youngest child and only son of Crown Prince Akishino, the current heir to the throne, and Crown Princess Kiko, Prince Hisahito is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Hisahito is also the nephew of the reigning monarch, Emperor Naruhito.

Under Japan's 1947 Imperial Household Law, only males descending through the male line can ascend the throne.

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As the first male Japanese royal to reach adulthood in 40 years, Prince Hisahito has begun taking on royal duties and has been slowly stepping into the spotlight since his coming-of-age ceremony. 

Who is former Princess Mako of Japan?

The Japanese royal family captured the attention of the world when the former Princess Mako, Hisahito’s older sister, renounced her royal titles in order to marry a commoner.

Mako wed Kei Komuro on 26 October 2021, after meeting during their studies at the International Christian University.

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The wedding sparked a strong reaction within the Japanese royal family and beyond. Two months after publicly announcing their engagement, revelations started to emerge regarding Kei's mother's alleged money dispute with her former fiancé.

The public backlash meant that Mako's father, Crown Prince Akishino, decided to withhold his approval of their marriage for three years, only giving them permission to wed in November 2020.

Following their nuptials, Mako was forced to leave the Imperial House, and the newlyweds started a new life together in New York City.

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Mako released a moving statement, which read: "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 together in May 2025. A statement issued at the time confirmed that the Japanese royals "are delighted about the birth and are wishing for the happiness of the Komuro family".