TOKYO — Japan’s Prince Hisahito is the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years .

Many people in Japan worry he could be the last.

The elaborate palace rituals to formally recognize Hisahito as an adult on Saturday are a reminder of the bleak outlook for the world’s oldest monarchy.

Much of this comes down to its male-only succession policy and dwindling numbers. 8

Hisahito is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne and is likely to become emperor one day.

After him, however, there is nobody left, leaving the Imperial family with a dilemma over whether they should reverse a 19th century ruling that abolished female succession.

Hisahito is a university freshman who loves bugs

A freshman at Tsukuba University near Tokyo, Hisahito studies biology and enjoys playing

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