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VOOZH | about |
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VOOZH | about |
By YASUHIKO SHIMA/ Senior Staff Writer
April 2, 2026 at 18:26 JST
👁 Photo/Illutration
Prince Hisahito cycles on the University of Tsukuba campus in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, on July 7. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)
On the outside, a sophomore at the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture appears to maintain a rather ordinary student life, often cycling through the vast campus and consuming fast food.
The student has blended in so well at the university that his peers at times fail to recognize that he is the second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, according to university sources.
Prince Hisahito, who studies biology, is the son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko and the nephew of Emperor Naruhito.
Although security personnel, including the Imperial Guard, are always present, they reportedly maintain a discreet distance to avoid burdening the prince and his friends.
Kyosuke Nagata, the university president, said he often sees Hisahito on the sprawling 258-hectare campus, where many students use bicycles to traverse the grounds.
He noted that while the prince seemed nervous at first, his demeanor changed after the summer break.
Nagata recalled seeing the prince one day pushing his bicycle while chatting with a friend.
“He had such a natural air about him,” the president said. “I even wondered how he managed to make himself so inconspicuous.”
Nagata also said he felt reassured upon hearing that Hisahito’s friends have declared, “No matter what happens, we will protect him.”
BALANCING ACCESS, SAFETY
However, the presence of Hisahito, the first member of the imperial family to enroll at the Tsukuba University, has prompted big changes at the school.
Last June, the university installed security gates similar to train station turnstiles in the building where the prince studies. Students are required to use their ID cards to enter the building.
The move drew some criticism online and in media reports, with claims that “students are confused.”
Nagata defended the security measure as a necessary update for the entire student body.
“Even as an open university, our faculty and staff have a duty to protect our students,” he said. “We view Prince Hisahito’s enrollment as an opportunity to improve security for everyone, rather than as something radically new.”
When not in Tsukuba, the prince lives in Tokyo.
According to the prince’s parents, he cooks for himself, making dishes like rice with chestnuts, and potato salad with vegetables from the Akishino Residence garden.
Hisahito also reportedly visits beef bowl chain restaurants and ran a food stall at a school festival with his friends.
“There are many things one can only experience as a student,” Nagata said. “I hope he has a wide range of experiences and enjoys his university life to the fullest.”
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