Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fumihito
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| Crown Prince Akishino | |
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Fumihito in 2024
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| Born | Fumihito, Prince Aya (礼宮文仁親王) 30 November 1965 Imperial Household Agency Hospital, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan |
| Spouse |
Kiko Kawashima
(m. 1990) |
| Issue |
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| House | Imperial House of Japan |
| Father | Akihito |
| Mother | Michiko Shōda |
| Religion | Shinto |
| Signature |  |
Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino (秋篠宮皇嗣文仁親王, Akishino-no-miya Kōshi Fumihito Shinnō) was born on 30 November 1965. He is the heir presumptive to the Japanese throne. This means he is next in line to become Emperor. He is the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito. He is also the younger son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
Since his marriage in June 1990, he has been known as Prince Akishino (秋篠宮, Akishino-no-miya). He leads the Akishino branch of the Imperial Family. Fumihito has a degree in political science and a PhD in ornithology (the study of birds). In 1990, he married Kiko Kawashima. They have three children: Mako, Kako, and Hisahito.
In November 2020, Fumihito was officially declared the heir presumptive. This happened during a special ceremony in Tokyo. When his son Hisahito was born in September 2006, he became next in line after his father. Fumihito and his wife Kiko are active members of the Imperial Family. They attend important meetings and events. They often represent Japan's Imperial Family at ceremonies with leaders from other countries.
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Early Life and Education
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Prince Fumihito was born on 30 November 1965 in Tokyo. His childhood nickname was Prince Aya. He went to the Gakushūin schools for his primary and secondary education. He enjoyed playing tennis during his school years.
In April 1984, he started studying at Gakushuin University. He focused on law and biological science. After getting his degree in political science, he studied how to classify fish in the United Kingdom. He studied there from October 1988 to June 1990.
When his grandfather, Emperor Shōwa, passed away on 7 January 1989, Prince Fumihito became second in line to the throne. His elder brother, Crown Prince Naruhito, was first.
The prince earned a PhD degree in ornithology in October 1996. His research was about the family tree of jungle fowls and how domestic chickens came from them. He did field research in Indonesia and China. He also worked as a researcher at The University Museum at The University of Tokyo. He is an Honorary Fellow there.
Prince Fumihito is known for his work with fish, especially catfish. He has helped expand studies on raising fish in Thailand. This work helps provide an important source of food.
Marriage and Family
On 29 June 1990, Fumihito married Kiko Kawashima. Kiko's father was a professor at Gakushuin University. The couple met while they were both students at Gakushuin University.
After their marriage, Fumihito received the title Prince Akishino. He was also allowed to start a new branch of the Imperial Family. This was a new way for a prince to marry and form his own family branch.
Children
Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino have two daughters and one son:
- Mako Komuro (born 23 October 1991): She was formerly known as Princess Mako. After marrying Kei Komuro on 26 October 2021, Mako gave up her imperial title. She left the Imperial Family as required by Japanese law.
- Princess Kako of Akishino (born 29 December 1994)
- Prince Hisahito of Akishino (born 6 September 2006)
Public Duties and Visits
Fumihito has many important roles. He is the president of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology. He also leads the Japanese Association of Zoological Gardens and Aquariums. He is the honorary president of the World Wide Fund for Nature Japan. He also holds honorary positions with the Japan Tennis Association and the Japan-Netherlands Association.
The Crown Prince and Crown Princess have traveled to many countries. In June 2002, they were the first Imperial Family members to visit Mongolia. This trip celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations. They have also visited countries like Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Costa Rica, Uganda, Croatia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Peru, and Argentina. They often attend important events like funerals for royal family members in other countries.
In March 2011, after the Great East Japan earthquake, Fumihito and other Imperial Family members visited the affected areas.
On 30 April 2019, Fumihito became heir presumptive to the throne. This happened after his father decided to step down. Fumihito suggested that the Imperial Family should pay for religious rituals during his brother's enthronement. He believed this would show the separation of religion and state.
In June and July 2019, the Crown Prince and his wife made their first official overseas visit after Emperor Naruhito became Emperor. They visited Poland and Finland. In August 2019, the couple and their son, Hisahito, visited Bhutan.
The official public declaration of Fumihito as Crown Prince was delayed in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His accession as Crown Prince happened privately. On 8 November 2020, Fumihito was formally declared first-in-line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. During the ceremony, he said he would carry out his duties with a deep understanding of his responsibilities.
His older brother, when he was Crown Prince, used the title Kōtaishi. However, Prince Akishino chose the title Kōshi (Imperial Heir). This was because he was not raised specifically to be the Crown Prince, unlike his older brother.
Titles and Honors
Titles and Styles
- 30 November 1965 – 28 June 1990: His Imperial Highness Prince Aya
- 29 June 1990 – 30 April 2019: His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino
- 1 May 2019 – present: His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino
Honors from Other Countries
Italy: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Netherlands: Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown
Peru: Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun
Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
Paraguay: Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit
Honorary Degrees
Fumihito has received many honorary degrees from universities, mostly in Thailand, for his work in biology and agriculture. These include:
- Doctor of Fishery Biology (Kasetsart University, 1995)
- Doctor of Science (Burapha University, 1995)
- Doctor of Fisheries (Khon Kaen University, 1999)
- Doctor of Science (Srinakharinwirot University, 2001)
- Doctor of Science (Chulalongkorn University, 2001)
- Doctor of Agriculture (Ubon Ratchathani University, 2003)
- Doctor of Fisheries Science (King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, 2007)
- Doctor of Animal Science (Kasetsart University, 2011)
- Doctor of Human and Environment Management (Chiang Mai University, 2011)
- Doctor of Science (Agricultural Technology) (Thammasat University, 2012)
- Doctor of Biology (Mahasarakham University, 2018)
Honorary Positions
Crown Prince Fumihito holds many honorary positions, including:
- Member of the Imperial Household Council
- President of Yamashina Institute for Ornithology
- President of Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- Honorary President of World Wide Fund for Nature Japan
- Honorary Patron of the Japan-Netherlands Society
- Honorary Vice President of the Siam Society
- Researcher Extraordinary at The University Museum, the University of Tokyo
- Guest professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture
Images for kids
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Fumihito's signature
See also
In Spanish: Fumihito de Akishino para niños
