Society

Prince Hisahito Attends Coming-of-Age Ceremony

TOKYO, Sep 06 (News On Japan) - Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince Akishino, attended his coming-of-age ceremony on Saturday, donning the traditional crown of adulthood.

Hisahito received the crown at his residence from an envoy of the Emperor in the morning, before being seen off by his parents and his sister Kako and traveling to the Imperial Palace in the Emperor’s official car, the Royal. Smiling, he waved to the crowds gathered at the palace square and proceeded to the central ritual, known as the Crown Bestowal Ceremony, which began at 10 a.m. inside the palace.

The Emperor and Empress, Prince and Princess Akishino, Princess Aiko, and other members of the imperial family were in attendance. In a traditional costume of youth, Hisahito received the adult crown upon his head. Advancing slowly toward the Emperor and Empress, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "On the occasion of my coming-of-age ceremony, I have been granted the crown. I am sincerely thankful."

Afterward, having changed into the formal attire of adulthood, Hisahito was escorted by imperial family members and numerous staff as he proceeded in a grand carriage procession to the Imperial Sanctuary. Later in the afternoon, dressed in a tailcoat, he will attend the Asami-no-Gi, a formal audience with the Emperor and Empress.

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