Japanese Prince Hisahito leaves for Bhutan

August 16, 2019

Tokyo--Japanese Prince Hisahito left for Bhutan Friday, in the first foreign trip for the 12-year-old, who is second in line to the throne.

The prince is being accompanied by his parents, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, on the private trip.

Prince Hisahito and Crown Princess Kiko took the same flight together, while Crown Prince Akishino, first in line to the throne, boarded a different flight in case of any accident. The Crown Prince is the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito.

This trip, during Prince Hisahito's summer vacation, came as the royal family of Bhutan invited Crown Prince Akishino's family to visit their country.

The prince and his parents are scheduled to arrive in Paro, western Bhutan, on Saturday, after staying a night in Bangkok.

During their stay in Bhutan through Aug. 24, the three will pay a courtesy call on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

They will also experience the South Asian country's nature and culture, including by visiting local temples and watching traditional archery.

In addition, the family will meet with Japanese nationals dispatched to Bhutan under the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program.

They will return to Japan on Aug. 25. For the return trip, Crown Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito will again board separate planes. Jiji Press