Japan’s New Prince Has an Official Name
The new Japanese prince, the first male heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne to be born in four decades, on Tuesday was named Hisahito - meaning “virtuous, calm and everlasting,” the Imperial Household Agency announced.
After consulting with experts in Japanese and Chinese literature, Prince Akishino and his wife Kiko settled on a name for their days-old infant, 
the first male heir to the throne of Japan in 40 years. They rejected names of former emperors, selecting Hisahito. The name combines the characters meaning “everlasting, calm, and virtuous.” The young prince’s parents, and indeed all of Japan, hope his life and rule will be long, even-tempered, and full of virtue. The final character, hito, which means “virtuous person,” has by long tradition been a part of the name of nearly every emperor.
In addition to the name, Akishino chose a crest for his son. The crest bears a stylized image of a Japanese umbrella pine. The prince and princess hope their child will grow like the tree, tall, straight, and strong.
In a very brief (5-minute) but solemn ceremony, the baby’s name was written on special rice paper. According to centuries-old tradition, the name was penned with brush and ink. The paper, together with the infant’s personal crest, was placed in a wooden box next to his pillow.
After the ceremony, mother and son were resting peacefully. And the people of Japan were also resting, happy that a grandson had finally been born to the emperor.
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Posted: September 12th, 2006 under Individuals, Japan, New Names.
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