Prince Hisahito, the 6-year-old son of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, attended the enrollment ceremony Sunday at an elementary school affiliated with Ochanomizu University in Tokyo.
Responding to congratulations from reporters, the prince, who arrived at the school with his parents, said, "Thank you," and bowed.
It is the first time since the end of the war that a member of the Imperial family has attended an elementary school other than Gakushuin Primary School.
Prince Hisahito is the third in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his uncle, Crown Prince Naruhito, and his father, Prince Akishino. His parents want him to stick with his kindergarten friends and study in familiar surroundings.