Japan’s first royal heir in 40 yrs named Hisahito

TOKYO – The first boy to be born into Japan’s imperial family in nearly 41 years was named Prince Hisahito yesterday in a private ceremony at the Tokyo hospital where his mother is recovering from a Caesarean section, the Imperial Household Agency said.

“Hisa” means “serenity” or “permanence”, while the Chinese character “hito”, traditionally used for heirs to the throne, means “the highest moral standard.” The baby’s parents, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, chose the name, which was written on a piece of handmade Japanese washi paper, placed in a paulownia wood box and laid by the child’s pillow in a brief ceremony known as Meimei no Gi.”It has a relaxed and carefree image,” top government spokesman Shinzo Abe told reporters when asked about the name.”I hope he will grow up carefree, and we would like to quietly watch over him.”Royal names often inspire the general public in the naming of their own children.The birth of Hisahito’s cousin, Princess Aiko, in 2001 was followed by a boom in the use of the character “ai” meaning “love” in girls’ names.Hisahito, third in line to the throne after his uncle Crown Prince Naruhito and his father, was also given a crest the “koyamaki” or umbrella pine to mark his personal belongings.The Sept.6 birth of Emperor Akihito’s first grandson averted a succession crisis and scuttled for now plans to change the law to allow women to accede to the Chrysanthemum throne, which is currently limited to males.Akishino and his wife, Princess Kiko, who turned 40 on Monday, have two older daughters, Princess Mako and Princess Kako.Nampa-ReutersThe baby’s parents, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, chose the name, which was written on a piece of handmade Japanese washi paper, placed in a paulownia wood box and laid by the child’s pillow in a brief ceremony known as Meimei no Gi.”It has a relaxed and carefree image,” top government spokesman Shinzo Abe told reporters when asked about the name.”I hope he will grow up carefree, and we would like to quietly watch over him.”Royal names often inspire the general public in the naming of their own children.The birth of Hisahito’s cousin, Princess Aiko, in 2001 was followed by a boom in the use of the character “ai” meaning “love” in girls’ names.Hisahito, third in line to the throne after his uncle Crown Prince Naruhito and his father, was also given a crest the “koyamaki” or umbrella pine to mark his personal belongings.The Sept.6 birth of Emperor Akihito’s first grandson averted a succession crisis and scuttled for now plans to change the law to allow women to accede to the Chrysanthemum throne, which is currently limited to males.Akishino and his wife, Princess Kiko, who turned 40 on Monday, have two older daughters, Princess Mako and Princess Kako.Nampa-Reuters

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