The imperial coming of age ceremony for Prince Hisahito has been set for September 6, his 19th birthday.

Nishimura Yasuhiko, grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency, announced the schedule on February 27, saying the date falls during summer break at the University of Tsukuba where the prince will attend starting April.

Hisahito came of age last year, but agency officials worked on arranging a date for the ceremony after he graduates from high school this spring to place priority on his academic activities.

This will be the first coming of age ceremony reserved for male members of the imperial family since Hisahito's father Crown Prince Fumihito went through the ritual 40 years ago.

As with traditional custom, Hisahito will receive a crown from Emperor Naruhito and give greetings to him and Empress Masako at the ceremony.

Hisahito is second in line to Japan's Chrysanthemum throne, after Fumihito.

He is scheduled to hold his first press conference to mark his coming of age on March 3.

The age of adulthood in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 in 2022.