The world got its first real glimpse of the boy who may one day be emperor of Japan as little Prince Hisahito was presented at a royal shrine on Tuesday by his parents Princess Kiko and Prince Akishino.
The visit to the Shinto shrine in the grounds of Tokyo's Imperial Palace was part of a traditional ceremony for royal babies aimed at promoting healthy growth. Hisahito - who slept through his public debut when he was just nine days old - delighted onlookers as he smiled happily in the arms of his proud mother.
The couple - who also have two daughters, Mako and Kako - were clearly thrilled to be sharing their baby son with the assembled well-wishers. As the only son of his generation to be born into the Imperial family there is a strong possibility that Hisahito, now two-months old, will inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Although the Emperor Akihito's elder son Prince Naruhito and his wife Masako have a four-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, under present laws she may not inherit. This means Hisahito is third in line after his uncle and father.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
