Japan's Prince Hisahito, the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years, celebrated his coming-of-age ceremony. His adulthood highlights the Imperial family's succession crisis, stemming from a male-only inheritance law. As the only male heir after him, Hisahito's future role as emperor is significant, but the debate continues on whether to amend the law to allow female succession. The lack of male heirs reflects Japan's shrinking population and challenges the monarchy's future.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.