Japanese Prince Hisahito Interacts with Pupils in Bhutan

August 21, 2019

Thimphu, Bhutan- Japanese Prince Hisahito and his parents, Crown Prince Akishino and his wife, Crown Princess Kiko, visited a public school in Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, on Tuesday to interact with pupils in the same generation as the 12-year-old Japanese prince.

The Japanese Imperial Family members observed a science class for 12-year-old students at the Changangkha Middle Secondary School where about 920 students aged between 5 and 16 study.

Prince Hisahito, who is second in line to the throne, participated in exercise games, including one to pass a soccer ball among students, and took commemorative photos afterward.

The prince and the parents later visited a protection area for takins, the national animal of Bhutan. Crown Prince Akishino, who is knowledgeable about animals, listened carefully to explanations by local officials and took notes.

The Imperial Family members then took a stroll. When asked by a reporter about how he feels about Bhutan, Prince Hisahito said, "I have fun."

Asked about differences between Japan and Bhutan, Prince Hisahito said, "I think (they are) very similar." The trip to Bhutan is the first overseas trip for the prince. Jiji Press