Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to Japan's Chrysanthemum throne, turned 18 years old on September 6.

He is the first male imperial family member in 39 years to reach adulthood and the first to do so since the age of adulthood in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 two years ago.

The previous member was his father, now Crown Prince Fumihito of Akishino, who is first in line to the throne.

Hisahito shared his thoughts for the first time in writing on the occasion of his birthday.

He expressed appreciation to the many people who have supported him in various ways over the past 18 years.

The teenager is a senior at a high school affiliated with the University of Tsukuba.

With the academic year ending next March, he wrote that he wants to cherish the little time he has left in high school while working toward his next step.

He said he wants to deepen his learning with each and every experience, assimilate them and grow.

Officials said that at school, the prince is a member of the badminton club and proactively expresses his views in group projects.

He also made a presentation on the theme of plants suitable for spawning dragonfly eggs in his integrated study course.

To put priority on his studies, officials said his imperial coming-of-age ceremony will be postponed until after he graduates in March 2025.

They are considering using the costume his father wore for his coming-of-age ceremony when he turned 20 in 1985.

In Japan, the imperial crown is currently handed down to male heirs who have an emperor on their paternal side.