Prince Hisahito

Japan's new imperial baby - the first male born in 41 years - has been named Hisahito during a traditional ceremony in hospital in the capital, Tokyo.

The baby was born to the emperor's second son Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko, on 6th September 2006. The first male to be born into the imperial family for over four decades, Hisahito's birth has been widely celebrated in Japan.

The name Hisahito is composed of two characters. The first means serene or long-lasting. The second, which means virtuous, has traditionally been included in the name of royal males. A palace spokeswoman, Yuka Shiina, said that name was chosen in the hope that the baby had a long prosperous life with even-tempered peace of mind.

The prince was named in a private ceremony at the Tokyo hospital where Princess Kiko gave birth. According to tradition, his father chose the name by writing it on a piece of paper and placing it in a wooden box by his son's pillow.

Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko have two daughters, while Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Princess Masako, have a young daughter. Current Japanese law forbids women from ascending the throne. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi had been trying to change this rule, but the debate, although supported by the public, was shelved when news of Princess Kiko's pregnancy was announced.

Adapted from BBC News September 2006

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