Japan's Prince Hisahito, who is the son of Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, graduated from high school on Tuesday.



Prince Hisahito is second in line to the throne. He spoke to reporters at the Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba, before the graduation ceremony.



The prince said he fully enjoyed the three years at the high school, including classes and after-school activities, and made unforgettable memories. He said he wants to thank everyone, including teachers and classmates, for the good memories.



In the graduation ceremony, the name of each graduating senior was called out. The prince responded and stood up when his name was called as Crown Prince and Princess Akishino watched.
The Imperial Household Agency said the prince had a fulfilling and vibrant school life, deepened his knowledge and made friends under the school's education policy of "Independence, Autonomy and Freedom." The agency said the prince participated in various school activities and played on the badminton team.



The agency released pictures of the badminton team's practice session that were taken in June of last year.
According to the agency, the prince is a lefty as a badminton player, although he writes with his right hand.



Crown Prince and Princess Akishino released a statement on the occasion of their son's graduation from high school.



The statement said that for about one year after the prince started senior high school, special measures were needed in daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple said it must have been a difficult time for the school as well.



They said that as parents, they want to thank the school for taking care of the students so they could carry on with their school life safely. They expressed deep gratitude for everyone who helped their son grow as a person and stood by him.



Prince Hisahito will attend the University of Tsukuba's School of Life and Environmental Sciences from April.