Details of Prince Hisahito's Coming-of-Age Ceremony Announced
Tokyo, July 29 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Imperial Household Agency on Tuesday announced the details of the coming-of-age ceremony for Prince Hisahito, son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, on Sept. 6, the 19th birthday of the young prince.
It will be the first coming-of-age ceremony for a male Imperial Family member in 40 years since that for Crown Prince Akishino. Prince Hisahito is second in line to the throne, after his father.
During the ceremony, to be hosted by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, Prince Hisahito will receive a crown from Emperor Naruhito's messenger at the Crown Prince's residence at 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 6. Prince Hisahito will then attend the "Kakan-no-Gi" crown-wearing ritual at the Imperial Palace from 10 a.m., wearing traditional attire for a minor Imperial Family member.
Prince Hisahito will then change into adult attire and move to the palace's three sanctuaries in a ceremonial carriage, where he will offer prayers.
In the afternoon, he is scheduled to greet Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the "Matsu-no-Ma" state room at the palace in a ritual known as "Choken-no-Gi" and then visit his grandparents, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, at their residence in Minato Ward.
Japan's cabinet decided Tuesday to grant the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum to Prince Hisahito. He will be awarded the medal from Emperor Naruhito on the day of the coming-of-age ceremony.
On Sept. 8, Prince Hisahito will visit Ise Jingu, a major Shinto shrine in the city of Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, and the mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu, Japan's mythical first Emperor, in the city of Kashihara in neighboring Nara Prefecture.
Prince Hisahito will visit the mausoleum of Emperor Hirohito, his great-grandfather, in Hachioji, Tokyo, on Sept. 9.
A celebratory luncheon will be held in Tokyo on Sept. 10, with participants including the prime minister and other dignitaries.
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