Fate of Japan's Imperial Royal dynasty now rests on a 13-year-old boy

Japan's youngest prince Hisahito who visited Bhutan in August has been widely regarded as a future monarch. By greeting his hosts in a traditional hakama kimono, the visit was the rare public appearance for the boy on whose shoulders the future of the monarchy rests. Experts believe that Hisahito is being groomed and prepared for the future.

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Japanese succession only allows males

As per reports, when Emperor Naruhito who is 59, became the monarch on May 1 following Akihito relinquishing his throne. A formal ceremony will take place on October 22, before foreign guests and Japanese people. Japan allows only males to assume the ancient Chrysanthemum Throne and changes to succession law will outrage the conservatives voting for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 

Hisahito, 13, is the only royal male in his generation is second in the line of succession to the throne after his father Crown Prince Akishino, 53, who is the emperor's younger brother. Under the rules of succession, Princes Hisahito will gradually shoulder the entire burden of perpetuating the imperial family as per local media. 

Hisahito's birth in 2006 was seen as a miracle by conservatives who were willing to carry on the tradition of a male-only succession. 

No royal males have been born since 1965 and after 8 years of marriage, the emperor's wife, Masako gave birth to a girl, Princess Aiko, prompting a move to amend the succession law and let women inherit and succeed the throne. But due to Hisahito's birth put those moves to rest. 

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Historical background of the Japanese throne

Experts believe that Hisahito is being groomed and prepared for the future. Experts on the matter say that it is important to make Hisahito realize that he is in a position to inherit the throne when he is socialising with the people and to keep them in mind from a rather early age. Currently, due to change in law post- World War two constitution gives no political authority and address Emperor as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people. 

Hisahito is currently a high school student affiliated to Ochanomizu University making him the first royal member to study outside of Gakushuin Junior High private school. 

An expert on European Monarchies commented that it is necessary to have someone who can determine as to what is appropriate for the 21st-century monarchy. But, it is not clear to what extent Crown Prince Akishino or the Imperial Household Agency is considering that. 

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