Japan's emperor in waiting leading a sheltered life
Japan's Prince Hisahito, the only boy in four decades born into the world's oldest monarchy, leads a 'happy life' far removed from the public
As an expectant Britain gets royal baby fever and readies to welcome a future monarch - male or female - the young boy who carries the destiny of Japan's ancient imperial family lives a life much less examined.
Six-year-old Prince Hisahito is the only boy in four decades born into the world's oldest monarchy, and will be entrusted with keeping alive a genealogical line traditionalists say can be traced back to a prehistoric goddess.
Unlike the House of Windsor, which lives life in the full tabloid glare and whose members provide endless fodder for gossip and speculation, the details of the lives of Japan's imperial family are scarcely discussed.
Commentators say the young prince leads a happy life, but one in which he is already being prepared for his future role as emperor at the head of a staid and revered institution, far removed from the common folk.
"I don't think Prince Hisahito plays computer games" like other boys his age, said Shinji Yamashita, a former official of the Imperial Household Agency and now a journalist specialising in royal matters.
"But he seems to be leading an unconstrained childhood," said Yamashita.