Prince Hisahito becomes adult as Japan debates imperial succession

Prince Hisahito, the 19-year-old nephew of Emperor Naruhito, was formally recognized as an adult in a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Saturday, becoming the first male member of Japan’s imperial family to reach adulthood in 40 years. The rites, which included the presentation of a lacquered black crown, prayers at palace shrines and an audience with the emperor and empress, underscored a mounting succession crisis facing the world’s oldest monarchy.

The morning proceedings began at the prince’s family residence, where he appeared in a tuxedo to receive a crown delivered by a messenger from the emperor, imperial household officials said. At the main ceremony in the palace, Hisahito wore a beige preadulthood robe before attendants replaced his headcover with a black kanmuri, the adult crown. He bowed deeply, thanked the emperor and his parents and pledged to fulfill his responsibilities as a member of the imperial family, saying he would be mindful of his duties as an adult. Later he changed into formal black court dress and rode in a state carriage to pray at three shrines inside the palace compound. He also received the Grand Cordon of the...