Sun Sep 08 09:45:39 UTC 2024: – Prince Hisahito of Japan turns 18, becoming the first male royal family member to reach adulthood in almost four decades
– Hisahito is set to become emperor one day and is the nephew of Japanese Emperor Naruhito
– Current legislation only allows a male to succeed to the throne and forces female royal members who marry commoners to lose their royal status
– Discussions are ongoing within the government to address succession challenges without depending on female members
– Princess Aiko is the public’s favored choice for future empress but is barred from assuming the role due to current laws
– An expert panel in 2022 recommended allowing female members to retain royal status after marriage and adopting male descendants from defunct royal families to continue the male lineage
– Critics argue that maintaining male-only succession is not sustainable in the modern era
– Hisahito has expressed a desire to cherish his remaining time in high school before taking on his future responsibilities as a member of the imperial family.

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