Japan marks Prince Hisahito’s 18th birthday amid succession concerns

Japan's Prince Hisahito recently celebrated his 18th birthday, marking a significant milestone as he is the first male member of the imperial family to reach adulthood in nearly 40 years. This event has drawn attention to the challenges facing the Japanese royal family, particularly the male-only succession law that limits potential heirs. Currently, Hisahito is second in line to the throne, following his father, Crown Prince Akishino, who last reached adulthood in 1985. The existing Imperial Household Law restricts succession to males, and women who marry commoners lose their royal status. This has led to concerns about the dwindling number of male heirs, with only three eligible successors: Hisahito, Crown Prince Akishino, and Emperor Naruhito's uncle, Prince Hitachi, who is 88 years old. The royal family is also facing an ageing demographic, with many members over 60, resulting in a shortage of young royals to fulfill public duties. Emperor Naruhito has publicly acknowledged the issue, emphasizing the decreasing number of male family members and the implications for public engagements. The situation reflects broader societal challenges in Japan, including a declining birth rate that has reached a record low, with only 727,277 births last year. The fertility rate has fallen to 1.20, significantly below the 2.1 rate needed for population stability. In response, the Japanese government has allocated substantial funds to support families and improve childcare services. However, critics argue that these measures do not address the underlying issues, such as traditional gender roles and the reluctance of young people to marry, which contribute to the declining birth rate and the royal family's succession concerns.