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| Japan royal baby named Hisahito | Japan royal baby named Hisahito |
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| Japan's new imperial baby - the first male born in 41 years - has been named Hisahito during a traditional ceremony in hospital in the capital, Tokyo. | Japan's new imperial baby - the first male born in 41 years - has been named Hisahito during a traditional ceremony in hospital in the capital, Tokyo. |
| The baby was born to the emperor's second son Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko, on 6 September. | The baby was born to the emperor's second son Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko, on 6 September. |
| Prince Hisahito is third in line to the Chrysanthemum throne, behind Crown Prince Naruhito and his own father. | Prince Hisahito is third in line to the Chrysanthemum throne, behind Crown Prince Naruhito and his own father. |
| His birth, which headed off a crisis in the imperial succession, has been widely celebrated in Japan. | His birth, which headed off a crisis in the imperial succession, has been widely celebrated in Japan. |
| The name Hisahito is composed of two characters. The first means serene or long-lasting. | |
| The second, which means virtuous, has traditionally been included in the name of royal males. | |
| SUCCESSION PRESSURES Currently only males can ascend the Japanese throneEmperor Akihito has two sons, Naruhito and AkishinoIf Naruhito died without a male heir, Akishino succeedsHis baby son, so far unnamed, becomes third in lineAny children born to Princess Sayako cannot ascend because succession follows male line Succession debate not over Head to Head: Royal birth In pictures: Birth welcomed | |
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| The prince was named in a private ceremony at the Tokyo hospital where Princess Kiko gave birth. | The prince was named in a private ceremony at the Tokyo hospital where Princess Kiko gave birth. |
| According to tradition, his father chose the name, placing a wooden box containing the name on a piece of paper by his son's pillow. | According to tradition, his father chose the name, placing a wooden box containing the name on a piece of paper by his son's pillow. |
| His mother selected a personal crest, resembling an umbrella pine tree, that will be used to used to mark his belongings. | |
| The baby boy, who has not yet been seen in public, is the first male born into the imperial family for over four decades. | |
| Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko have two daughters, while Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Princess Masako, have a young daughter. | |
| Mother and son are expected to leave hospital in a few days. |