Prince Hisahito recently turned 20 and is drawing more attention as a possible future emperor of Japan, especially after recent changes to the Imperial House Law. This law, passed by Japan's Parliament in July, maintains the traditional rule that only males can inherit the throne. Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, is the second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, which has symbolized Japan's imperial authority for over 1,500 years. He is one of the youngest members of the imperial family, which has been shrinking and aging over the years. Hisahito is currently a sophomore studying biology at the University of Tsukuba near Tokyo. Previously known for his interest in nature, especially insects like dragonflies, he is now more focused on his studies. He is often seen on campus with friends, sometimes carrying a bug-catching net or riding a bicycle. Although he primarily concentrates on his education, he has started to take on some official duties. These include attending a palace banquet for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in May, praying for the victims of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, and participating in a teenagers' camp in Hiroshima in August. Hisahito is often compared to his popular cousin, Princess Aiko, who is the daughter of Emperor Naruhito. Aiko is highly admired for her ability to connect with people and bring smiles to their faces. Many Japanese citizens wish for her to be the next emperor, even though, under the current laws, women are not eligible to inherit the throne. The recent changes to the Imperial House Law allow female royals to keep their status if they marry a commoner, but their future partners and children are not considered part of the imperial family. These changes have faced criticism from some Japanese citizens who believe the law is outdated and discriminatory. Experts suggest that the new law will place pressure on Hisahito and his future wife to have a male child, as their decisions will determine the future of the imperial family. When asked about his future and marriage plans during a news conference last year, Hisahito said his main focus was on his studies and that he hoped to spend time overseas to gain new perspectives and meet people from different cultures. Regarding marriage, he mentioned he had not yet considered the ideal timing or a partner.