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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Mari Yamaguchi

Prince Hisahito becomes the first royal male in Japan to reach adulthood in 4 decades.

Hisahito Japan Akishino Aiko Masako
2024 Getty Images

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In a big milestone for Japan's royal family, Prince Hisahito turned 18 on Friday, becoming the first male royal family member to reach adulthood in almost four decades. It is a significant development for a family that has ruled for more than a millennium but faces the same existential problems as the rest of the nation — a fast-aging, shrinking population.

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