Prince Hisahito turns 20 as Japan's government reinforces male-only succession rules

Prince Hisahito, the 20-year-old nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne, celebrated his birthday on Sunday amid increasing speculation about his potential future role as a monarch. This comes in the wake of the Japanese government's controversial revision of the Imperial House Law, which has solidified the importance of male succession within the imperial family.

The youngest of 16 members of the aging and dwindling imperial family, Hisahito has always been known for his affinity for nature, particularly for dragonflies. As a sophomore majoring in biology at the University of Tsukuba, he has been seen on campus with friends, sometimes carrying a bug-catching net. Hisahito's interests extend beyond academic pursuits, as he has begun taking on some official duties.

In May, the prince attended a palace banquet for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Later that month, he prayed for the victims of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima. In August, Hisahito joined a teenagers' camp in the southwestern Japanese city of Nagasaki. Hisahito is often compared to his popular cousin, 24-year-old Princess Aiko, who has gained admiration for her ability to connect with people.