Japan’s Prince Hisahito, the second in line to the throne, held a debut news conference on Monday, telling reporters he would try to balance official duties and his university studies and research about the dragonfly.

At the press conference, held at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo to mark his coming of age, the 18-year-old shared his perspective on the emperor’s symbolic role, echoing the views of his grandfather, former Emperor Akihito, and his uncle.

TOKYO >> Japanese Prince Hisahito, who could well become emperor one day if the country’s succession laws are not changed, told his first press conference on Monday that he would strive to fulfill his royal duties.

Japan’s Prince Hisahito has spoken about his official duties at his debut news conference after reaching adulthood last year.