Japan prince comes of age as succession crisis looms

Tokyo: Japan heralded on Saturday the coming of age of Prince Hisahito with an elaborate ceremony at the Imperial Palace, where a succession crisis is...

Tokyo: Japan heralded on Saturday the coming-of-age of Prince Hisahito with an elaborate ceremony at the Imperial Palace, where a succession crisis is brewing.

The nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to become emperor after his father, the 19-year-old received a black silk and lacquer crown at the ceremony, which marks the beginning of his royal adult life.

"Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming of age ceremony," said Hisahito, clad in the traditional yellow costume for minors, bowing to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, who smiled at him.

"I will fulfil my duties, being aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family," he told his parents at the ceremony in Tokyo, attended by a score of royal family members and relatives.

Hisahito was then seen boarding a carriage to attend other ceremonial events, after changing into a dark coloured costume, traditionally worn by adult royals.