TOKYO – He may be third in line to the Imperial throne, but none of his new primary school teachers refer to 6-year-old Prince Hisahito as His Majesty.

The only son of Prince and Princess Akishino, the young prince enrolled this week at Ochanomizu University Elementary in Tokyo. He is the first male ­member of the Imperial family in the post-World War II era who will not attend Gakushuin Primary School.

The decision is said to be an effort by the prince's parents to ensure their son receives an ordinary ­education without any special treatment. Because Prince Hisahito will one day succeed the throne, attending the primary school will help him prepare for life as a symbol of both the state and the unity of the Japanese people.

"Akishinonomiya Hisahito." During the school's entrance ceremony, a teacher read the prince's name aloud without adding any of his titles — just as if he were any other normal student.

"Yes," the little prince responded enthusiastically.

His teachers and friends at the kindergarten referred to him as "Hisahito-kun." The school has said that at this point, it has no plans to treat him differently.

Yomiuri Shimbun

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