Prince Hisahito spoke to reporters before attending the entrance ceremony at the University of Tsukuba, northeast of Tokyo, on April 5 to mark the beginning of his college life.

Hisahito will be studying at the university's College of Biological Sciences in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture.

S/ Reporter / Prince Hisahito, congratulations on starting university.

S/ Prince Hisahito / Thank you very much. I am grateful to be able to study various fields including those that I have been interested in. I also want to enjoy extracurricular activities. The campus is large, and I feel that it is rich in greenery. Between my classes, I am thinking of moving around on a bicycle.

The prince attended the entrance ceremony along with fellow freshmen.

He will go through orientation from April 7 and choose which classes to take.

We asked his classmates how they felt about having the prince among their peers.

S/ University of Tsukuba freshman / I think it’s a rare opportunity. Honestly speaking, I’m very happy. I am thankful for this opportunity and will work hard while getting inspired by it.

S/ University of Tsukuba freshman / I heard he likes dragonflies. I like bugs too, so I think we’ll be able to get on well.

According to an aide, the prince will commute to school from his imperial residence in Tokyo by car for the time being.

He will later divide his time between Tokyo and an apartment rented near his school.

Hisahito is the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko and is second in line to Japan's Chrysanthemum throne after his father.