Japanese Prince Hisahito, second in line to throne, turns 13

September 6, 2019

Tokyo--Japanese Prince Hisahito, second in line to the Imperial throne, turned 13 on Friday.

The third child and only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko has never missed a day at Ochanomizu University Junior High School in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward since he entered the school in April.

He has been broadening his mind such as through traveling to Bhutan, meeting with "mame kisha," or children experiencing the job of a journalist, and having other first experiences.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, Prince Hisahito reached a goal in a 50-meter obstacle race without knocking over hurdles during the school athletic meet in June. He also took part in a team race.

In July, he met with some 60 mame kisha students from elementary and junior high schools in the southernmost Japan prefecture of Okinawa and the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido. It was the first time for the prince to interact with such children.

He grew potherb mustard, cabbage and other vegetables, as well as rice, at his residence at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

Last month, during the summer holiday, Prince Hisahito traveled to Bhutan, his first overseas trip, and met with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, his wife, Queen Jetsun Pema, and other members of the royal family of the Himalayan country.

During the trip, Prince Hisahito also had opportunities to experience Bhutan's national and traditional sport of archery, ride a mule to a grazing camp in the highlands and visit the Paro Taktsang temple. Jiji Press