Prince Hisahito, Japan’s future emperor unless succession laws change, said he has not yet considered marriage, despite growing public interest in his role.
Speaking at his first-ever press conference on Monday, the 18-year-old expressed his focus on other aspects of life rather than finding a partner.
“Regarding marriage, I have not yet thought deeply about the ideal time or partner,” he told reporters.
Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his father. His uncle, Emperor Naruhito, has a daughter, Aiko, but under Japan’s Imperial Household Law, she cannot inherit the throne due to her gender. The law, unchanged since 1947, also requires female royals to leave the imperial family if they marry a commoner, stripping their children of royal status.
Hisahito shared his love for nature, saying he enjoys observing insects and growing rice and vegetables. He also expressed concern about climate change and its impact on people’s lives. When asked about studying abroad, as other imperial family members have done, he said he would consider the possibility.
The future of Japan’s imperial family remains uncertain, with lawmakers debating whether to allow female succession. A poll by Kyodo News found 90% of the public supports the idea, but conservative politicians strongly oppose any change. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently called for urgent discussions on stabilizing the number of imperial family members, though progress has been slow.
International pressure has also grown, with a UN committee recommending that Japan grant women equal rights to the throne. The Japanese government rejected the suggestion, arguing that imperial succession is not a human rights issue. In response, Japan suspended funding to a UN women’s rights committee in January.
For now, Prince Hisahito remains focused on his responsibilities as a young royal, saying he is determined to fulfill his role within the imperial family.