prince hisahito

Japan's royal family just hit a milestone Prince hito has come of age last Friday Prince hito of Japan celebrated his 18th birthday this isn't just another birthday it's a significant moment he is the first male Royal in four decades to reach adulthood highlighting the dwindling number of potential heirs his Milestone underscores the challenges facing Japan's Imperial family currently there are 17 members but only four males tradition mandates only males can ass to the throne making hitto's future role vital for continuity adding complexity the 1947 Imperial house law restricts succession to male heirs and forces female members to relinquish their Royal status upon marrying commoners this law prevents princess IO Emperor naruhito's daughter from succeeding her father despite her direct lineage debates on amending the law are heating up aiming to secure the Imperial lineage's future Prince hitto's 18th birthday isn't just a personal mild Stone it's a pivotal moment for Japan's royal family