Prince Hisahito: Japan's little prince

Japan's little prince, who is hoped to avert the succession crisis faced by the world's longest monarchy, has finally arrived.

The newest Imperial member is named Prince Hisahito. Born on September 6th, he is the third child of the Emperor's second son, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. He has two older sisters, Princesses Mako and Kako. Seven days after he was born, his name was pronounced in a traditional ceremony.

As Japan Times reports,

The name Hisahito is made up of the Chinese character for "hisa," meaning "far and away" and "at ease," and "hito," or "virtuous person." "Hito" has been the customary way to end boys' names in the Imperial family since the Heian Period (794-1185).

In the naming ceremony, a court official put the new prince's name and his symbol, the umbrella pine, on "washi" paper in a paulownia box and it was placed next to the baby's pillow. The symbol will be used to mark the baby's belongings.

The name was chosen in the hope that the little prince will live a long and comfortable life. The umbrella pine, an indigenous evergreen, was made his symbol so he will grow straight and tall, the agency said. Umbrella pines grow on the grounds of the Imperial Palace and on the grounds of the Akasaka Estate, where Prince Akishino's family lives.

The Imperial newborn is the first male heir to the Chrysanthemum throne in 41 years, and third in line to the throne, after Crown Prince Naruhito and his own father. His birth, as many believed, has somehow put a period to the succession drama that beset the Imperial family. The current law allows only males to ascend to the throne. However, the other side of Japan says that the crisis has not been solved yet, it has only been put off for the next generation to bother.

Whatever the future may bring, all our hopes are high for the little prince, and that may he truly live a long and healthy life to continue the royal tradition of, among others, promoting a harmonious and peaceful family togetherness.

Banzai to our little prince!