Japan's Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, attended an entrance ceremony at the University of Tsukuba, northeast of Tokyo, on Saturday.



The prince, second in line to the throne, left his residence at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo early in the morning for the university. It is about 60 kilometers away in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture.



Speaking to reporters before the ceremony, Prince Hisahito said he is grateful for the chance to study subjects he has been interested in, and ones in other fields. He said he wants to enjoy doing outside activities.



Asked about the campus, the prince said that he was impressed by the spaciousness and leafy environment.
He said he feels privileged to lead a student life at the campus, and he plans to get around the large campus by bike to go to classes.



Before the ceremony began, the prince was seen smiling and chatting with other students.



Prince Hisahito is the first Imperial Family member born after World War Two to attend a national university.



He is enrolled in the university's School of Life and Environmental Sciences, where he can study a broad range of biology, including insects and plants he has been interested in. Compulsory courses for fresh students include experiments.



The prince plans to travel to the university by car, while occasionally using a rented apartment near the campus. Classes start on April 14.