Prince Hisahito of Japan turned 20, a significant age in the country marking adulthood and new responsibilities. The celebration of Hisahito's adulthood symbolizes the forward march of the new generation of the Japanese imperial family. Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, is the second-in-line to the Chrysanthemum throne. No specifics about the private and low-key celebrations were released. The event, however, does underline the ongoing discussions about the future of the imperial family in a rapidly modernizing society.

In Japan, reaching the age of 20 is a significant milestone that is usually marked by ceremonies both at the family and community level. As part of the imperial family, this event draws attention to the traditional role of the monarchy in Japanese culture. The topic of royal succession is a significant issue in Japan, given the current laws only count males in the immediate imperial family's line of succession. With a shrinking pool of heirs, the continuation of the Japanese monarchy is a topic of concern.

Unlike monarchies in the EU or the lack of a monarchial system in the US, Japan's imperial family does not hold any political power, acting more as a symbol of unity and continuity. However, discussions surrounding succession laws are similar to debates in other monarchies, such as in the UK where succession laws were revised to allow either gender to ascend to the throne.