Japan’s Prince Hisahito, the second in line to the throne, held a debut news conference on Monday, telling reporters he would try to balance official

Japan's Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, expressed on Monday his desire to approach his public duties with care and awareness as he fulfils his role as a member of the imperial family.

Japan's Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, attends his first press conference after he turned 18 at their Akasaka Estate in Tokyo, Japan, March 3, 2025, in this photo released by Kyodo.

TOKYO >> Japanese Prince Hisahito, who could well become emperor one day if the country’s succession laws are not changed, told his first press conference on Monday that he would strive to fulfill his royal duties.

The nephew of Emperor Naruhito stars in his first press conference at 18. The deep sigh that escaped the generally conservative political class of Japan in September 2006 can still be heard echoing. That day marked a historic event without any exaggeration.