In accordance with the imperial protocol, the name of the third in line to the Chrysanthemum throne was made public today. The country is enthralled by the birth of the new heir.

Tokyo (AsiaNews) –  Hisahito is the name of the newly born Japanese prince, third in line to the Chrysanthemum throne  after his uncle Naruhito and his father Fumihito. The first part of the name, 'Hisa', means 'calm and everlasting', whilst the suffix "Hito" is given to potential emperors and means 'virtuous [man]'.

The third-born to Prince Akishino, second son to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, the prince was born six days ago in Tokyo to Princess Kiko, who turned 40 in hospital.

The chosen name for the child, first male born in the imperial household in nearly 41 years, was reported this morning in the Japanese media, but will be officially given today in a solemn ceremony.

The naming ceremony for a baby born in the imperial family is traditionally held on the seventh day after birth, but the first imperial ceremony involved the placing of a protective sword near the baby on the day of his birth to symbolise the continuity of power and the throne's protection over the child.

Other ceremonies involving the newborn include the prince's first visit to the three inner shrines of the imperial palace around 50 days after birth, and the baby's first feeding using chopsticks about 120 days after birth.

The Japanese have reacted to the birth of a boy with great enthusiasm. Many were concerned that the lack of male heirs might lead the government to introduce a bill that would change the law that limits the throne to only men in an all-male line to the emperor.

The debate generated by this possibility did however reveal that within Japanese society some are starting to question the imperial system itself. There is a segment of the population, albeit a minority, that views this system "as old-fashioned" and is favourable to abolishing the monarchy. 

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