Japanese prince turns 10 amid talk on Emperor's abdication
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Japan's Prince Hisahito has turned 10 amid national attention over the future of Japanese monarchy after Emperor Akihito, his grandfather, indicated a wish to abdicate.
Akihito, in a rare public address last month, expressed concern about fulfilling official duties as he ages, suggesting he would like to abdicate.
Hisahito, a fourth-grader who enjoys playing with bugs and helping rice-growing at a palace farm, is third in line to the chrysanthemum throne. His father, Prince Akishino, is second after his elder brother Crown Prince Naruhito.
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The government is reportedly seeking to allow the Emperor's abdication by enacting a special law to avoid divisive issues, including a possible female succession.
Akihito and his wife Michiko have four grandchildren but only Hisahito is eligible to the throne under Japan's male-only succession system.