Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to the imperial throne, turned 17 on Wednesday as he continues to thrive in his second year of senior high school.
The son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko is enrolled at Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba, where he has been actively involved in his studies, club activities and events with his peers, including with friends from outside his class.
Prince Hisahito is the first member of the imperial family in the postwar era to attend a high school unaffiliated with Gakushuin University, established in the 19th century to educate aristocrats. His father is known to favor a liberal education for his children.