**Prince Hisahito Attends First Imperial Banquet, Welcoming Philippine President**
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In a notable event in Japan’s royal history, Prince Hisahito, the 19-year-old nephew of Emperor Naruhito, made his debut at an imperial banquet on May 27, 2026. The occasion, held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, was organised to welcome President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines and his wife, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Hisahito attended the banquet shortly after concluding his college classes for the day. A second-year student at the University of Tsukuba, he is studying at the College of Biological Sciences within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. The timetable of the banquet coincided conveniently with his academic schedule, as confirmed by Naomasa Yoshida, grand master of the Crown Prince’s Household, who noted that attending the event did not interfere with Hisahito’s studies.
This banquet represents a significant step into public royal duties for the young prince, who is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. It marked his first experience of assisting in welcoming a state guest, further drawing him into the responsibilities and traditions associated with the imperial family.
Hisahito’s sisters have also participated in royal engagements while managing their educational commitments. The Imperial Household Agency stated that both the former Princess Mako and Princess Kako attended similar events during their university years, indicating a precedent within the family for balancing academic life with royal duties.
The young prince is the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Akishino. His family has been in the news recently due to his sister Mako’s departure from royal life in 2021 to marry Kei Komuro, a commoner. This significant move altered the traditional expectations of royal family members, thrusting Hisahito into the spotlight as the focus now shifts to his role in the line of succession.
Princess Mako, now known as Mako Komuro after relinquishing her royal status, made headlines when she married Kei Komuro following a tumultuous engagement period. Their relationship faced scrutiny due to financial disputes involving Kei’s mother, which initially hindered their plans to wed. Nevertheless, after years of public speculation and family hesitation, the couple married in 2021 in an understated ceremony and relocated to the United States shortly thereafter.
In the wake of her marriage, Mako turned down a considerable payout traditionally awarded to women who leave the imperial family upon marriage, choosing to embark on her new life without the financial support. Reflecting on the transition, she expressed a commitment to building a future with her husband during a press conference following their nuptials.
Mako and Kei welcomed their first child in May 2025, though details regarding the newborn remain private. Recent reports indicated that the couple had moved to Fairfield County, Connecticut, where they have been spotted enjoying everyday activities as a family.
As Prince Hisahito steps further into his royal duties, observers will be keen to see how he navigates the pressures and expectations of his position within the imperial family. His attendance at the banquet signals not just a personal milestone, but also a potential shift towards a more visible role for the next generation of Japan’s royalty.
Hisahito’s participation in the banquet serves to highlight the ongoing engagement of the Japanese imperial family with international diplomacy and cultural exchanges. The young prince’s initial foray into such events reflects broader themes of continuity and change within the traditions of the imperial family. As he balances his studies and royal responsibilities, many will be watching closely to see how he carves out his unique path within the historical context of the Chrysanthemum Throne.