JAPAN: Japanese coo over the first appearance of Japan's Prince Hisahito, third in line to the Imperial throne

Japan caught their first glimpse of the first royal prince to be born in the Imperial family in over 40 years on Friday (September 15) and was enthralled. Media in front of the Aiiku Hospital shouted "Congratulations" to the royal couple, Princess Kiko and Prince Akishino, as they appeared for the first them in front of cameras with their newly born son. Outside the hospital, hundreds of squealling well wishers lined the streets and waved Japanese flags as the royal carcade glided past them with an open window to afford them an easy peek at the new prince. "He looked like a health bouncing baby boy. It was wonderful," said Motoyo Okamoto, a 65 year old Tokyo resident. "It was great seeing Princess Kiko with her beaming smile," said Yukiko Sugiyama, a 37 year old Tokyo resident. The first boy to be born into Japan's imperial family in nearly 41 years was named Prince Hisahito earlier this week in a private ceremony at the Tokyo hospital. "Hisa" means "serenity" or "permanence", while the Chinese character "hito", traditionally used for heirs to the throne, means "the highest moral standard." "There haven't been an boys born to the imperial family in a long while, right? It is now such a relief that a heir was born," said Sumie Harada, a 78 year old Tokyo resident, who added that she personally had not been against changing the law to allow women to inherit the Chrysantheum throne. 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 Imperial throne, which is currently limited to males. The proposals were supported by a majority of the public but opposed by conservative lawmakers including Abe, heir apparent to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who is set to step down in just over a week.

ITN Source | September 16, 2006

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