Hisahito is second in line to Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne, only after his father, Crown Prince Akishino. Before Hisahito’s birthday last year, his father had been the last male to reach ...

Only males can ascend the ancient Chrysanthemum Throne, and women leave the imperial family if they marry a commoner, with their offspring having no royal status. But Prince Hisahito, who turned ...